Concordia University to lay off 24 staff at Mequon Campus

Mequon, Wis. (Civic Media) — Concordia University has announced plans to lay off 24 staff members at its Mequon campus as the institution grapples with financial deficits and declining enrollment. The information comes from a federal WARN Notice posted yesterday on the state’s Department of Workforce Development website.

The terminations, which will be permanent, are expected to begin on May 31st, or within the following 14-day period, the university said in a notice. The affected employees are not represented by a union and do not have any bumping rights. Concordia, which also has a campus in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is facing budget shortfalls at both locations, with the Michigan campus experiencing more significant deficits. The layoffs are part of a broader effort by the university to reduce costs and shore up its financial position.

The Mequon campus layoffs come as at least five other private colleges in Wisconsin have recently gone through budget deficits and staff reductions, including Lakeland, Cardinal Stritch, St. Norbert, and Marian.

Concordia said it is providing as much advance notice as possible to the affected employees.

UW-Milwaukee annnounced last month they are closing their Waukesha campus at the end of year. That will impact over 100 employees, including tenured faculty members.