Mohawk College cuts 65 jobs in first phase of massive layoff plan

Layoffs at Mohawk College are beginning to take shape. The institution has announced that 20 percent of its administrative staff will be the first to go.

On Monday, 65 full-time positions were eliminated across all divisions, and this is only the beginning.

These layoffs were announced after the school revealed it had a projected $50 million deficit.

Along with the cuts, certain programs will also be suspended.

“It’s not an easy time for any of us. What makes it harder is knowing how great this place is,” said Atul Rao, a broadcasting professor.

“I certainly don’t fault anyone in management at Mohawk or any other college,” he said.

He says he understands the situation and is looking to the government for change.

“I would like to know what the politicians are saying. Are there going to be any changes to the funding model? The Liberal Party, this is a great opportunity for them to speak up—what would they do if they were elected?” Rao said.

Earlier this week, Mohawk College saw its first rounds of cuts, most of which affected top-level administrative staff.

This follows the school’s announcement that it is facing a $50 million deficit, amid federal government changes that significantly reduced the number of international student visas and post-graduate work permits issued.

Paul Armstrong, President of Mohawk College, said, “As the federal government puts into action some policy changes, I suspect they do not understand the full impact over time.”

In response to these changes, Mohawk is facing financial struggles. To stabilize its operations, cuts are being made across the board at all levels.

To start, the school says there have been 60 retirements among faculty, support staff, and administration, all through a voluntary retirement program.

In addition to those retirements, 65 full-time administrative positions have been eliminated, making up 20 percent of its workforce.

Some of these positions were already vacant, but others include both retirements and layoffs. There are also suspensions that will put a pause on some health, business, creative, and engineering programs.