University of Windsor Cuts 10 Employees, Closing University Players

What’s happening at UWindsor?

The University of Windsor has announced the layoff of 10 staff members and the closure of its University Players production arm as part of an effort to address a $5.6 million budget shortfall. Additionally, the Entrepreneurship, Practice, and Innovation (EPI) Centre will be restructured to better integrate with the university’s broader innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives.

Official statements and context

• In a statement, the university explained that the layoffs and closures are necessary to balance the base budget amid escalating operating costs and years of budget realignments.
• The university cited several factors contributing to the budget pressures, including ongoing domestic tuition freezes, provincial policy and funding impacts, competitive forces, and fluctuating enrolment.
• “With escalating operating costs and several years of budget realignments, the university will continue to identify revenue opportunities, along with operational efficiencies and staffing adjustments to ensure that the university continues to fulfil its academic mission and safeguards the institution’s financial sustainability,” read the university’s statement.

Industry reaction

Paul Fraser, president of CUPE 1393, the union representing workers at the University of Windsor, criticized the cuts, calling them “short-sighted and self-defeating” given the university’s strategic plan to serve as an engine of economic diversification and urban vitality in the Windsor-Essex region.

• “At a time when the university’s strategic plan emphasizes its role as an engine of economic diversification, urban vitality, and civic engagement in the Windsor-Essex region, these cuts appear short-sighted and self-defeating.”
• “Bringing the expertise of our faculty and students to bear has been of great benefit to our local economic ecosystem, and it will be a shame if we cut these ties at such a crucial time in our regional development,” Fraser added.

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