Retrenchment in Higher Education

Abstract

The covid19 pandemic along with changing attitudes has forced many rural public universities to retrench faculty and staff. As enrollments decrease, institutions of higher learning must adapt and change to the changing demographics. Retrenchment is only one alternative to dealing with declining enrollment. Retrenchment needs to be balanced with long-term strategic considerations. As the retrenchment process is conducted, there is a need to review several alternative actions and decisions. Other cost reduction considerations include subsidies to athletics; repair/replacement; and technological infrastructure. Formal and informal communications to faculty, staff, students, and community must be maintained and possibly expanded. Most importantly, the continued education of the students should be completed in as normal a manner as possible.