ST CHARLES, Mo. — Lindenwood University laid off 12 staff and two faculty members this week, citing an effort to cut its operating budget by 10% as it anticipates enrollment to be impacted by nationwide federal student aid delays.
University spokesperson Julee Mitsler confirmed the layoffs Friday. In addition, the university won't be filling dozens of open positions, leaving about 620 full-time employees.
"To maintain Lindenwood’s strong financial position, the University is planning appropriately," Mitsler said. "This requires operating cost management and intentional reductions to ensure the University positions itself for a healthy, prosperous new academic year and continued sustainability at the level of excellence expected from a Lindenwood education."
The rollout of the overhauled Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has been plagued by delays and technical issues, causing concerns nationwide regarding student enrollment for the 2024-2025 year.
It's not the first time Lindenwood has scaled back in recent months. Late last year, the university announced it was cutting 10 of its athletic teams after it determined the athletic department "had become too large to sustain the quality of the student experience Lindenwood expects."
