Staffing reductions

The last several weeks have been some of the most difficult our community has ever experienced. In the interest of transparency, and with heavy hearts, we wanted to inform you that we have now completed the staffing reductions.

In total, 114 of our 1,493 full-time and part-time staff concluded their service at DePaul last week on Friday, Dec. 12. The university is making every effort to provide these individuals with care, privacy, and support. We recognize the profound impact that their departures have on them and all of us.

These decisions were extraordinarily difficult, and leaders across the university did not make them lightly. Each person affected contributed to the life of this university in meaningful ways. We are providing transition assistance, including severance packages based on years of service, career counseling, health insurance subsidies, and other resources, to support each individual during this time of change. Care has remained at the center of every step we have taken.

We know this news weighs heavily on you. The uncertainty leading up to this moment has been stressful, and the loss of colleagues and friends creates a real sense of grief. We want you to know we see that, we feel that, and we are deeply grateful for the compassion you have shown one another throughout this process.

Supporting our students and providing an excellent education remain our top priority. We want to emphasize that university leaders worked to minimize cuts to the student experience, including on-campus employment. Each vice president and dean made individual decisions regarding reductions to their area and will communicate with units across the university about any decisions that will affect operations. Previous communications about the budget reductions can be found here and on the Leadership Notes site. 

Many of you already have or are about to step away for winter break. We hope you will use this time to rest, be with loved ones, and care for yourselves. These weeks offer a chance to pause, restore, and reconnect with what grounds us. As we do so, may we also remember the heart of our Catholic, Vincentian tradition: to see the dignity in every person, and to find hope and renewal, even in challenging times.

During these pivotal times for higher education, we can all find strength in those shared acts of compassion and service that define our community. They remind us of who we are and who we aspire to be.

Thank you for all that you do for DePaul. We are grateful for you and look forward to beginning the new year together with a renewed sense of mission and direction.

Sincerely,

President

Provost

Executive Vice President and CFO