Michigan State University is facing sharp criticism from faculty after President Kevin Guskiewicz announced on June 30, 2025, that staff cuts would move forward as part of a 9% general fund reduction over two years. Chemistry professor Rob Maleczka and Non-Tenure Track Faculty Union President Víctor Rodríguez-Pereira described the process as rushed and poorly communicated. Guskiewicz had warned in May that cuts were coming, but faculty argue the two-month timeline offered little transparency and bypassed shared governance processes like the Faculty Senate, which was on summer recess. Department heads were given less than a month to submit restructuring proposals, and another few weeks for approvals, leading to layoffs that were announced without union consultation. While some vacant positions were eliminated, staff and potentially even tenured faculty could be affected. Voluntary retirement incentives may be offered to tenure-track faculty, though protections do not apply in cases of financial emergency or program elimination. Faculty warned of deeper impacts on students, as departments are still recovering from COVID-era reductions, and more cuts could weaken academic offerings and MSU’s appeal. MSU plans to reduce about $50 million in spending for FY2026. While Guskiewicz pledged to implement a 9% cut to his own executive unit, faculty argue broader financial mismanagement and legal liabilities are being passed down unfairly. Critics say the university is operating more like a business, prioritizing budget over education.
Original source:
https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/2025/07/07/michigan-state-university-msu-layoffs-faculty-response-budget-cuts/73994230007/