More layoffs hit staff at Western Washington University amidst 23 million budget deficit

Western Washington University confirmed layoffs affecting 20 staff positions as it grapples with a budget deficit surpassing $20 million. President Sabah Randhawa announced that the administrative division of the student affairs office will be eliminated, along with other administrative roles. Four of the positions affected are currently vacant, following a previous reduction of 74 staff members to combat the growing deficit, which now stands at $23 million after the state’s legislative session. The university plans to mitigate the deficit by $13 million through existing cuts that will take effect soon. To address the remaining $10 million shortfall, Randhawa indicated that changes to academic programs in locations such as the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas are forthcoming.

Additionally, academic departments at the main campus will need to reduce their budgets by $5 million by the end of next year. Randhawa emphasized that these difficult decisions are essential for preserving key student services and maintaining academic quality. The university aims for long-term sustainability amid ongoing financial challenges.