Emerson laid off 10 staff members and eliminated two programs Tuesday, college officials said in an email sent to staff and faculty.
“We are grateful for the contributions these dedicated staff members have made to the college, and we have made arrangements to support them in this transition,” the email read in part. “All affected employees are being informed privately and offered severance packages as part of a separation agreement.”
The announcement comes after President Jay Bernhardt announced in June that the college would lay off staff positions to address budget cuts caused by an enrollment decline.
The majority of staff members laid off were nonunion members, confirmed Rosemary Lavery, director of external strategic communications at Emerson. The college was able to minimize the number of limited positions and programs after some staff members volunteered to retire early, the email said. The college does not anticipate more layoffs at this time.
In addition to layoffs, Emerson suspended the Engagement Lab and the Bright Lights Film Series, said Lavery.
“While both of these programs have made important contributions to the college and our community, the financial focus must remain on the College’s core academic mission,” Lavery said.
“Emerson College is fully committed to filmmaking, storytelling, and strategic partnerships and we will continue to create and screen films and media, especially from our students and alumni, in the Bright Family Screening Room and our other screening locations in Boston, Los Angeles, the Netherlands, and beyond,” Lavery added.
Additional programs at Emerson may be “changed or eliminated In the future based on the need or opportunity for structural and functional improvements,” said Lavery.
To further realize savings, the college developed plans for voluntary faculty buyouts and will reduce faculty searches, freeze and delay selected staff searches, strengthen hiring controls, defer capital projects, and reduce operational expenditures, according to the email.
The college has several job listings available, including executive positions in marketing, enrollment management, and the president’s office.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates
