 "It is regretful that every measure taken thus far has been
inadequate to meet our financial challenges," says LCU President
Keith H. Ray. "Any time an organization reduces its work force, it
is a painstaking endeavor."In August 2010, there were 25 percent
fewer undergraduate students who lived on campus than in 2006, when
the number of residential students peaked. This decline, combined
with the economic downturn that began in 2008, warrants this action.
The work force reduction and ongoing spending restrictions will trim
about 8 percent from the university budget and will position the
school for a healthy future. The average size of budget cuts in
higher education ranges from 7 to 14 percent nationally.
Recent research into higher education trends shows that the
population of high school students is declining in the rural
Midwest. Additionally, the decline in government grants and
availability of guaranteed student loans makes it increasingly
difficult for students and their families to pay for a private
college education.
"The board of trustees and the executive leadership team regret
having to take such action," Ray said. "We will miss the valuable
contributions provided by these individuals, because it is finances,
and not employee competency, that has forced these decisions."
Affected employees are being given as much time as possible to
prepare for the transition, which will take effect on June 1. LCU
will provide counseling services, career coaching and a severance
package.
For the last two years the LCU administrators and employees have
worked together to avoid layoffs. Salaries and benefits were reduced
and departmental spending was restricted. Despite these hardships,
LCU was recently named a "Best Christian Workplace," based on an
anonymous survey of LCU employees who ranked the university with
high marks in "trust in leadership" and "a unity found in faith."
[to top of second column] |
Academic programs have been expanded at both the graduate and
undergraduate levels in order to counter enrollment declines.
Lincoln Christian changed its name and implemented a coordinated
marketing strategy in September 2009. Since then, there has been a
modest recovery in the number of residential undergraduate students.
As a result of new online degree offerings, there has also been a 20
percent increase in adult student enrollment. A strategic planning
team will be appointed this month to begin work on a new strategic
plan to guide the vision and mission of LCU.
Lincoln Christian University is a Christian higher education
community whose mission is to nurture and equip Christians with a
biblical worldview to serve and lead in the church and the world.
[Text from file received from
Lincoln Christian University]
 |
