Staff reductions announced

Park said that the reductions from the professional staff will result in two members being laid off, a one-year contract not renewed, and one vacant position eliminated. She said the support staff will suffer one layoff and the elimination of one full-time vacant position, two half-time positions, and one 0.63 full-time equivalency position. One support staff position will be moved to self support, she said.

Park said the affected employees have been notified.

CSC will close its interactive television learning centers in Alliance and Sidney, each of which has experienced a decline in enrollment with the success of CSC's online programs. Also, the areas of support staff most affected will be reconfigured to best utilize their talents and resources, she said.

Earlier this month, the president announced reductions to faculty and academic programs.

She said the decisions to reduce faculty and staff are among the most difficult she has faced as a college administrator, and came after much thought and consultation with the CSC vice presidents and deans.

She said the budget reductions were made under the following assumptions: stable or growing enrollment for the coming year, a minimum of 5 percent increase in tuition, and an increase in state appropriations of 1 to 1½ percent.

"If the assumptions hold, the reduction in force we have already made will take us through at least the first year of the upcoming biennium," she said. "Of course, the reduction might not be sufficient if any of the assumptions change."

Park encouraged employees to remain supportive of each other and optimistic.

"The institution has weathered similar storms in the past, and has remained strong and vital.," she said. "We will continue to serve our region to the best of our ability, and improve our methods of educating the students who look to us to make their futures brighter."