Heartland Community College is planning to cut 23 positions over three years in an attempt to address the state budget situation and more. College President Rob Widmer says the proposal goes beyond the uncertainty in Springfield, but does include a lack of confidence in funding from the state. Widmer says the move is also about financially positioning the institution on Raab Road in Normal for 2017 and beyond. Vacancies, retirements, and strategic personnel changes are included in the proposal going to the board.
Widmer said the proposal affects only five people who would be laid off, four of them before June 30th.
Some colleges in the state are undergoing large layoffs. President Widmer says Heartland is in better shape than that because of fund balances, but does need to reduce operational and administrative costs. Heartland recently passed a two dollar per credit hour tuition hike and took efficiency moves. Taken together Widmer says this will change the bottom line by $1.5 million per year.
Positions being eliminated include seven support staff, two faculty, The Dean of Adult Education, the Athletic Director, a variety of administrative posts in the area of adult education, career service, admissions, and professional development. Widmer says consolidating functions will not affect the Community College's ability to serve workforce development needs and support economic development in the community.
Positions To Be Eliminated
Accounting Assistant
Administrative Assistant - Executive Office
Cashier
Coordinator of Adult Education Recruitment and Assessment
Coordinator of Career Services
Dean of Adult Education
Director of Admissions and Student Recruitment
Director of Athletics
Director of Disability Support Services
Director of Instructional Development
Director of Professional Development and Training
Director of Technology Support Services
Division Secretary - Continuing Education
Executive Director of Governmental Relations
Faculty - two full-time positions
IT Technician
Library Technical Assistant
Program Assistant for Career Services
Program Assistant for Continuing Education
Additional three positions anticipated through attrition
