Saint Augustine's University has announced a significant reduction in staff, detailing plans about cutting the number of university employees in half.
In an email sent to the campus community and local stakeholders on Saturday, SAU confirmed 'significant reductions' that included eliminating 67 staff positions and reducing expenses by approximately $17 million. Some programs will also be discontinued.
Other WRAL Top Stories
Over the summer, Interim President Marcus Burgess told WRAL News he expected reductions in staff and class offerings.
A statement from the Raleigh-based HBCU read, "As part of a comprehensive strategy to ensure compliance with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and secure its accreditation, SAU has reduced its expenses by approximately $17 million in fiscal year 2024 compared to fiscal year 2023."
"Significant reductions, totaling 50% of the university’s employees, involved difficult decisions, including eliminating 67 staff positions (41% reduction), 37 full-time faculty positions (67% reduction), 32 adjunct faculty positions (57% reduction), and discontinuing several under-enrolled programs," read an email. "Furthermore, the university is actively settling outstanding balances with vendors while adjusting various contracts, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to restoring financial integrity and ensuring a sustainable future for SAU."
Full-time, part-time and full-time non-faculty roles will be impacted. The news comes as the university's meeting with the SACSCOC looms in December. SAU has had to take substantial measures over the last year to stay afloat financially.
“As stewards of this institution, our focus is on its long-term sustainability through shared governance,” said Mr. Hadley Evans, Jr., Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees & Chair of the Finance Committee. “While we recognize the seriousness of these financial adjustments, these decisions are essential for safeguarding the future of Saint Augustine’s University and the students we serve.”
On Friday night, an event was hosted by the Save SAU alumni group. The group and several other former students and staff, including former track coach George Williams, said they were concerned about a $7 million loan from Gothic Ventures the school took out to repay several of its debts.
In July, the arbitration committee appointed by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges reversed the decision from February to strip SAU of its membership. The university is still on probation.