Hampshire College is laying off 9% of employees in a major restructuring of operations amid lower-than-expected enrollment growth for the upcoming academic year, the institution’s president confirmed Monday.
The restructuring involves consolidating the college’s financial aid, enrollment, events and fundraising functions into a new division with the overarching title of “Institutional Support.
Hampshire’s leaders expect those moves to eliminate about 29 positions and save $2.7 million annually. Senior leaders at the college will be taking a 13% pay cut as part of the budget-saving effort.
Hampshire's enrollment, while still growing year over year, is falling short of targets. The institution had predicted 940 students for fall 2024, but now expects around 900.
Hampshire has been rebuilding its enrollment and financial standing since 2019, a precipitous year for the college that brought it near the point of closure and led it to admit only a partial incoming class that fall.
Despite the recent challenges, Hampshire is often cited as a turnaround model among small colleges facing financial distress.
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Visit the college's website for more information on the restructuring and enrollment