School of Public Health lays off lecturers, staff amid budget shortfall

May 2, 2026 - 23:00

Citing a sharp drop in federal research dollars and a continued decline in international student enrollment, the School of Public Health has laid off four lecturers and 15 staff members. The cuts, announced internally this week, represent the latest fallout from a financial squeeze that has been building for more than a year.

Administrators said the school faces a structural deficit that can no longer be managed through hiring freezes or voluntary attrition. Federal grants, which traditionally funded a large portion of the school's research positions, have become harder to secure. At the same time, tuition revenue from international graduate students has fallen significantly, partly due to visa delays and rising competition from programs abroad.

The affected lecturers taught core courses in epidemiology and biostatistics. Staff cuts hit administrative roles in student services, grant management, and facilities. The school said it offered severance packages and extended health benefits for three months.

Faculty members expressed frustration, noting that the layoffs come just as the school is trying to expand its community health outreach. One professor, who asked not to be named, said the cuts would increase workloads for remaining staff and could delay research projects.

The school's dean said in a statement that the decision was difficult but necessary to ensure long-term stability. She added that the school is exploring new partnerships with local health agencies and private foundations to diversify its funding base. No further layoffs are expected in the current fiscal year, though administrators warned that the budget outlook remains uncertain.