UCSD quietly trims workforce
By James P. Sweeney, U-T Sacramento Bureau
7:42 p.m. June 3, 2009
As it absorbs deep budget cuts and braces for more, the University of California San Diego has quietly reduced its workforce by more than 800 positions, or nearly 5.5 percent, in recent months, university officials disclosed Wednesday.
The downsizing includes at least 172 layoffs, 222 positions left vacant and another 428 that have been eliminated, said Stacie Spector, associate vice chancellor for communications.
More layoffs and unfilled vacancies are expected as UCSD and the balance of the higher education community come to grips with state funding reductions that could approach $2 billion for the UC, California State University and California Community Colleges systems.
“Our employees remain our No. 1 priority as does our commitment to education and research,” Spector said. “But these times are really tough and we’ve got to act responsibly. We’re just trying to adjust to the changing environment.”
Neither San Diego State University nor CSU San Marcos have laid off employees, but both campuses have been operating under a systemwide hiring freeze for nonessential positions, spokespersons said.
