Western New England University announces ‘realignment process’

Dec. 21, 2017 | G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com

SPRINGFIELD – Western New England University (WNE) is seeking staff members to voluntarily leave the institution as part of a “realignment process.”

Reminder Publications learned of the staff reductions through an anonymous tip. While WNE confirmed there is a program with incentives for staff members, there was no explanation why the program was being instituted now nor if it was a reaction to a financial need. There was no defined goal for a number of employees to eliminate.

The university released the following statement written by Barbara A. Moffat, associate vice president for Media & Community Relations, and refused to answer any other questions at this time: “Over the past eight years, Western New England University has made strategic investments of more than $90 million to create academic programs, services, and facilities that continue to provide high quality education to an increasingly wide range of students. We have expanded our undergraduate and graduate programs, strengthened our career and student services, greatly enhanced our technology, and provided new and upgraded facilities that students and families are seeking.  

“Like many other institutions, Western New England University reviews its processes and business functions regularly. We are currently revising our budget model in order to operate in a more efficient and effective manner. We have a responsibility to remain as affordable as possible for students who desire a Western New England University education.

“As part of this realignment process, we are making a Voluntary Separation Offer available to our staff with at least 10 years of service. We are offering incentives for those who may choose to separate from the University.  Participation in this is strictly voluntary and is limited to staff. We anticipate no changes in full-time faculty numbers. In the initial hours since we presented this opportunity, there has been significant interest being expressed by employees.

“Our enrollments and our institutional financial position remain very strong and we will continue to recalibrate our business model, and implement appropriate adjustments that will further fortify our University in the higher education landscape.”

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