In a recent turn of events, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) faced a budget deficit that led to the cutting of 76 jobs in the fiscal year that ended on June 30. This decision came as a result of a $20 million budget shortfall that the university experienced last summer. Despite receiving more funding and raising tuition costs, VCU still struggled to cover inflationary costs such as higher salaries and utilities.
The job cuts at VCU affected a variety of positions, including professors like Kim Zicafoose, who had been with the university for 25 years. Zicafoose, who was promoted to assistant professor in the Department of Focused Inquiry just a month before losing her job, found herself unexpectedly searching for new employment opportunities. She expressed that job interviews were more grueling than in the past, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals in the job market, especially at the age of 60.
While VCU managed to avoid the worst-case scenario of cutting 150 positions, the impact of the job cuts was still significant. The university implemented cost-saving measures such as leaving open positions unfilled, not renewing academic journal subscriptions, and limiting travel expenses. Additionally, VCU joined a coalition with other colleges to purchase supplies and services at a lower rate, resulting in savings of nearly $90 million over the past decade.
Despite the challenges faced by employees due to the job cuts, VCU remains committed to finding efficiencies to keep costs low for students while supporting faculty and staff. The university aims to minimize the impact of the cuts on students and maintain a sense of belonging and appreciation among employees. Staff turnover has improved, with a decrease in the percentage of employees leaving their jobs from 16% in fiscal 2023 to 13% in fiscal 2024.
For Zicafoose and other professors in Focused Inquiry, the job cuts meant larger class sizes and fewer professors available to provide individual attention to students. The university’s decision to not renew contracts for some professors and hire postdoctoral fellows to teach classes raised concerns about the prioritization of students and the impact on the quality of education.
Looking ahead, VCU plans to make new investments with the additional revenue generated from raised tuition, state funding, charitable gifts, and research funding. The university aims to introduce new programs, such as a minor in artificial intelligence, and invest in research facilities like the Rice Rivers Center. Employees will also receive a state-mandated 3% raise as part of VCU’s efforts to support its workforce amidst budget challenges.
In conclusion, the job cuts at VCU reflect the financial struggles faced by universities in balancing budgets while maintaining academic excellence and supporting their employees. The impact of these cuts on individuals like Kim Zicafoose underscores the challenges of job insecurity and the need for universities to prioritize both financial sustainability and the well-being of their staff and students.