Commonwealth University to cut around 175 employees across campuses

Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania expects to lay off as many as 175 people next year, according to a report by State College-based WPSU.

The report said university officials expect the cuts to affect all three campuses -- Lock Haven, Mansfield and Bloomsburg -- and could include about 75 faculty and about 100 staff.

The university said retirements, resignations and other savings may reduce the number of layoffs, and the overhaul will protect "students' ability to complete their degrees."

According to a statement from a university spokesperson, the goal is to "create a financially sustainable university for the long term and address the institution's recurring structural deficit," WPSU reported.

The university said that under terms of the contract with faculty, it has to notify them of potential layoffs by Oct. 30, the WPSU report said. It expects to notify staff in January. Layoffs would take effect July 1, 2027.