De Montfort University (DMU) is weeks away from laying off hundreds of staff as the institution faces an ever-deepening financial crisis. In late July, the university announced plans to lay off 80 employees. This decision will affect a cumulative 94 positions tagged as endangered. The move comes on the heels of a recent acknowledgement of fiscal distress. DMU has publicly acknowledged that its expenses are now exceeding its revenues.
Perhaps the biggest driving factor behind the financial squeeze has been the acutely felt decline in student enrollment. DMU is facing an existential crisis, having lost half its students almost overnight. In reaction, the seat of knowledge and enlightenment is cutting deep to maintain its viability. According to a spokesperson for the university, “Like almost every university in the country, DMU is dealing with unprecedented financial challenges.”
At risk are 63 senior lecturers, 17 associate professors and 11 lecturers. On top of this, one research assistant, one senior research fellow, and one reader are affected. The university’s leadership wishes to avoid the worst possible effects of these cuts while preserving a minimal level of high-quality educational service.
In an effort to simplify its operations and reduce expenses, DMU introduced a voluntary severance program in 2022. Moreover, they have frozen a number of ongoing projects. The university has further restricted operational expenditure to “critical operational items only.” Together these measures signify the institution’s commitment to remaining in good financial standing. They also make sure that it remains able to do so by driving economic growth and creating opportunities. The spokesperson emphasized, “We have acted early and responsibly to ensure DMU remains financially stable, able to continue its vital role as a critical driver of economic growth, productivity and opportunity.”
Katie Normington, Vice Chancellor of DMU, said she was “deeply saddened” by the news. “I can only reiterate how sorry I am that we are having to weather the national higher education storm like this and regret the impact it is having,” she stated.
Even as DMU grapples with these unprecedented times, it continues to feel very focused and ostensibly committed to tackling the pressing issues still facing the sector. The university’s response is similar to what’s been seen at institutions across the country. To add to their misery, many of them are going through financial crises from dropping enrollment numbers.
