University of Windsor Faces $30M Budget, Job Cuts in 2024

What’s happening at the University of Windsor?

On December 11, 2024, the University of Windsor confirmed that layoff notices have been issued to staff as the institution grapples with a significant $30 million budget deficit. According to the university’s Operating Budget FAQ page:

• Eight non-union employees have been laid off.
• Five vacant positions will not be filled.
• Two employees will not be replaced upon retirement.

Official statements and financial context

Financial Deficit: The University of Windsor faces a $30 million budget shortfall for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, driven by reduced international enrolment, frozen domestic tuition since 2018-2019, and rising operational costs.

• University President Robert Gordon noted that Ontario universities receive the lowest per-student domestic funding in Canada, at just 57% of the national average.

Leadership Response: In a recent Town Hall, Vice-President of People, Equity & Inclusion Clinton Beckford acknowledged the challenging decisions ahead.

• “We can expect layoffs. They’re going to be immediate. They’re going to be ongoing. And they’re going to affect every category of employees at the university.”
• Gordon emphasized the need for both immediate actions and long-term strategies, stating, “We must face the reality that the status quo cannot be maintained, and we need to figure out together how to do less with less.”

Broader implications for the University of Windsor community

Academic and Community Challenges: Faculty and staff unions have raised concerns about how the layoffs could impact the quality of education and student support services.

• Larger class sizes, delays in administrative processes, and fewer campus resources are anticipated as a result of reduced staffing.
• As one of Windsor’s largest employers, the layoffs could have ripple effects on the local economy.
• Alumni and local stakeholders worry about the university’s reputation and ability to attract future students and staff.

What’s next for affected non-unionized employees?

For non-unionized employees impacted by the layoffs, understanding their legal rights is crucial. To learn more about your options and what these layoffs mean for you, visit our parent blog on University of Windsor Layoffs, where we explore specific severance details, employee rights, and next steps.

Talk to an employment lawyer

If you’ve been affected by layoffs at the University of Windsor, it’s critical to understand your rights and secure the compensation you’re owed. Contact us today for expert legal advice and a consultation. You can also use our Severance Pay Calculator to get a better idea of what your severance package may look like.

Our employment lawyers for Windsor, as well as those for Ontario, Alberta, and B.C., have successfully represented tens of thousands of non-unionized individuals.

In addition to severance package negotiations, we can assist you on a broad range of employment matters, including:

Call 1-855-821-5900 or complete a quick form to get started.