'Doing less with less': Layoff notices go out at the University of Windsor amid $30 million deficit

University of Windsor sign seen on Oct. 28, 2024 in Windsor, Ont. (Travis Fortnum/CTV News Windsor)

The University of Windsor is trying to balance its budget caused by a “significant” decline in international student enrolment and lack of provincial investment in higher education.

Eight non-union employees have been let go, five vacant positions will not be filled, and two employees won’t be replaced once they retire, according to a website page dedicated to the institution’s financial woes.

During a Town Hall meeting on Nov. 13, Vice-President of People, Equity & Inclusion Clinton Beckford told gathered staff and students that these decisions keep him up at night.

“We can expect layoffs. They're going to be immediate. They're going to be ongoing. And they're going to affect every category of employees at the university,” he said.

The university also warned they are in the middle of a “comprehensive assessment of positions and salaries”, according to President Robert Gordon.

“We must adapt with both immediate actions and long-term strategies as an institution,” Gordon said.

The university implemented a hiring freeze in September 2024 and has launched a voluntary retirement package program.

“We must face the reality that the status quo cannot be maintained, and we need to figure out together how to do less with less,” Gordon said.

“We are entering a new era of reimagining the University of Windsor, where tough decisions lie ahead.”

Reasons for the deficit

Gordon cited the expected decline in international student enrolment because of restrictions placed by the federal government.

Gordon estimates Ontario universities will lose $300 million this academic year, which he worries could double a year later.

The president is also critical of the provincial government for only providing one-time funding to help struggling universities.

“Ontario universities continue to have the lowest per student domestic funding in all of Canada at just 57 per cent of the national average,” Gordon said.

He also noted domestic tuition has been frozen since 2018-2019.

“This situation is also further intensified by rising expenses at our university, including increased costs for personnel, operational expenditures and service agreements,” Gordon said.

“We currently anticipate an overall budget gap between revenues and expenses of about $30 million for the 2025-2026 fiscal year,” Gordon said.