ROCK SPRINGS (Wyoming News Exchange) — Western Wyoming Community College will eliminate job positions and degree pathways in the days ahead.
The decision was announced to employees on Monday, Aug. 17, and is due to state budget cuts, declining enrollment, and the impact of COVID-19, according to a press release.
“As a new president, this was not how I wanted to start our journey,” President Kim Dale said. “I’m keenly aware that there are people attached to these decisions. I’ve asked our Western family for compassion and understanding during this transition.”
The majority of the college’s budget goes to salary and benefits, so the only meaningful way to cut expenses is a reduction in workforce, the release stated. The decision to eliminate positions rather than furloughing or temporarily cutting salaries is designed to implement a sustainable plan during the current crisis and into the future. The college intends to streamline its structure and resolve areas of inefficiency with a focus on boosting enrollment.
Over the summer, two internal committees drafted two rubrics — academic and administration — to assist in determining what positions and degrees will be impacted. These rubrics were given to a cabinet consisting of the president, vice presidents, and human resources.
Besides labor, the cabinet will examine several areas for inefficiencies including workflow, organizational design, academic affairs, technology and IT services, facilities, auxiliaries, spending, and contracts. The cabinet is now working through this process and will partner with the board of trustees to make an official announcement in September.
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