Grace College confirmed a reduction in its workforce late Thursday evening.
Twelve full- and part-time staff positions were eliminated, nine vacant positions will go unfilled and it is expected a few faculty also will accept an early retirement offer.
According to Amanda Banks, Grace College director of public and government affairs, “One of Grace’s four strategic priorities is sustainable affordability; we are committed to making a Grace College education attainable for students while remaining sustainable for the long-term.
“This week, Grace has made a number of changes across campus to increase efficiency, serve our students in positive ways and improve operational budgets. A broad-based group of faculty and staff met over two months to review data, consider innovative options and make recommendations.”
She said Grace is employing the following recommendations:
• Career Connections will be embedded in academic programs to better align with academic departments and faculty.
• The financial aid, registrar and student accounts areas will be consolidated to a “One-Stop-Shop” for student services.
• Event services will be combined with the alumni office to form the Alumni and Community Engagement Office.
In order to enact these efficiencies, she said it was necessary to eliminate some positions, not fill vacant ones and offer a few faculty early retirement.
“These decisions were made through much prayer and concern for those affected. We believe these steps are necessary in moving the mission of Grace forward and preparing students to lead lives of purpose,” Banks said.
