TU begins issuing layoffs this week

Tiffin University is undergoing lay-offs of employees — staff and faculty — as a reorganization of the university. "Out of respect for all of our employees, Tiffin University will not comment on this until we have communicated with our employees first," Lillian Schumacher, TU president, said. The university is expected to complete talking with employees early next week. It is undetermined how many TU employees will be laid off. Schumacher recounted the situation and process in a letter via email to faculty and staff that was sent out Monday. "As you well know, the challenging times in higher education continues," Schumacher said in the letter. "We are working hard to navigate both the global rebound from a debilitating pandemic and the restructuring of our institution. And we do so with the ever present priority to preserve the culture and guiding principles of our university." In the letter, Schumacher said the university has been in discussions about budgetary pressures experienced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to the decline in enrolled students in graduate and undergraduate programs. "Despite significant growth in both fundraising and governmental funding, Tiffin University remains a highly tuition-dependent institution; in fact, tuition and axillary revenues provide about 92% of our operational budget each year," Schumacher said in the letter. According to Amy Wood, vice president for Enrollment Management at TU, "As of today (Thursday), Tiffin University is cautiously optimistic about admissions numbers for the 2020-2021 academic year. We are working hard to navigate both the global and local rebound from the debilitating pandemic and are doing so with the ever-present priority to provide a quality, well-rounded education to our students. We are in constant communication with all of our students, and their parents or guardians, letting them know the procedures and precautions that our University is taking for their safety." Schumacher said in the letter, "I want you to know that we also have explored many options to improve efficiency and reduce costs. While these measures have succeeded to some extent, we find that we must make the very difficult decision to reorganize and reduce our workforce by laying off employees and condensing various jobs to ensure the future of the university. We do so with deep regret." In the letter, Schumacher said there have been companies and institutions of higher education who have announced layoffs and some have had to close their doors. Ohio University, Ohio State University, Youngstown State University and Bowling Green State University announced layoffs earlier in May. "I point this out to try and put in context that the current crisis is affecting almost every organization around the world," Schumacher said. "The decisions we make are preserving the future of Tiffin University so that we can impact the lives of generations of future students." According to the letter, employees who are affected are offered a severance package, employment displacement services assistance with securing unemployment compensation benefits and the "potential to re-apply for newly created positions at the university after the negative effects of the pandemic subside." Cabinet members and individuals from human resources are meeting with employees. The position to reorganize, according to the letter from Schumacher, "comes from a position of strength and high expectations for our future." "We cannot stand for average or wait and see; we are purposeful, proactive and intentional in all that we do and this reorganization is an example of who we are and will always be at Tiffin University," Schumacher said. "As a result of our proactive reorganization, Tiffin University will be able to expand upon and develop our academic programs that are unique, distinctive and provide a competitive advantage for our students." Shumacher mentioned programs such as TU's Ph.D. in global leadership and change, undergraduate degree in forensic psychology and master degree in cyber security in the letter. Schumacher said the university will continue to "'stay ahead of the curve' and solidify the future for our great university." "This 'new normal' drives us to think even more competitively and boldly in terms of how we thrive in higher education," Schumacher said. "We cannot and will not remain status quo or complacent. This opportunity is just that; an opportunity that allows us to expand upon our many successes; and opportunity to forge a new beginning and an opportunity that allows us to showcase what makes us different and unique." Tiffin University Board of Trustees Chair Claire Johansen sai when reached for comment via email, "Out of respect for our employees, Tiffin University will not comment until we have communicated with our employees."