WESTFIELD – Westfield State University (WSU) President Dr. Ramon S. Torrecilha recently announced a number of cost-cutting measures that included spending and hiring freezes.

In a letter to faculty and staff, Torrecilha indicated the decisions were made in response to budget deficits of up to $13 million created by the coronavirus outbreak.

“This sobering reality makes it necessary to begin making decisions now which can reduce this projected deficit, partially, through vacancy savings,”?he said.

The university had previously announced on March 26 that there would be no additions to the WSU workforce and added on April 9 that it would not host any on-site conferences or events this summer. Additionally, the first session of the university’s College of Graduate and Continuing Education summer offerings would be available exclusively online. As a result, additional summer hours for full-time dining staff may not be available.

Vacant positions the university currently account for roughly $4 million. Jobs deemed to be of critical need make up $1.5 million of that figure. The suspension of job offers would save $2.5 million in salary and the savings jump to $3.5 million when including benefit savings.

“In addition to filling a fraction of our vacant positions, the remaining vacant positions will remain unfilled unless current projections change dramatically. Therefore, recruitment and hiring activity surrounding positions not deemed critical to fill at this time will cease,” Torrecilha said.

WSU also initiated a freeze on spending and new operational budget guidelines were distributed through Vice President for Administration and Finance Stephen Taksar.

Troy Watkins, communications specialist for WSU, told Reminder Publishing, "the vacant jobs that were deemed critical to fill now were those prioritized by the vice presidents as vital to the mission and business continuity of the University. Most of positions we will move forward with replacing are those freed up through the Voluntary Separation Incentive Program offered by the university this past year, and they vary by university area, as well as position and compensation level."

He added the university typically enacts a spending freeze in May in advance of the end of the fiscal year, but the additional financial strain creatred coronavirus pandemic accelerated that process.

The Board of Trustees requested a completed strategy for bridging the budget gap and that plan is expected to be presented to the board by its meeting on April 30. Torrecilha added that information would be shared with the campus community when it was available.

“We realize this news puts additional strain on an already tenuous time for all. We continue to appreciate your collaboration and cooperation, as the University’s adaptability and ingenuity through this unchartered territory continues to be tested,”?he said. “Covering the $10 to $13 million deficit will be difficult, but not impossible. It will require us to explore unconventional approaches or make unpopular decisions in our quest to meet our student-centered mission.”

Additionally, Torrecilha indicated in an April 14 message to students that no decision on commencement had been made. An update, he hoped, would come “in the weeks ahead.” He called the ceremonies for graduating students in graduate and undergraduate programs “a top consideration,” adding “The class of 2020 was the first class I welcomed as new students several months into my Westfield State presidency in fall 2016. I share your deep disappointment in what you and I envisioned as our final semester on campus.”

As well, Torrecilha indicated the Office of Student Affairs, Student Government Association, class councils, athletics leadership student interest groups had been working in tandem to connect with students. In addition, Torrecilha has maintained virtual office hours through Zoom to connect with campus stakeholders.