Temple University plans layoffs as it seeks to reduce budget by million, according to the university president.

Temple University has initiated a cost-saving strategy that requires its various schools, colleges, and administrative units to collectively reduce expenses by million to address a projected budget deficit for the 2026-27 fiscal year. President John Fry communicated this decision in a recent message to the campus community, emphasizing that a reduction in workforce is unavoidable due to the university’s financial challenges.

The university faces an anticipated shortfall of approximately million, prompting the need for significant budget cuts. Specific details regarding the potential number of layoffs have not been disclosed, but the executive committee of the board of trustees is set to convene next week to examine the proposed budget, which currently stands at .3 billion, excluding the health system.

Fry has expressed the inevitability of workforce reductions, particularly as compensation and benefits account for roughly 70% of Temple’s operational expenses. He reassured staff that any necessary separations would be handled with fairness and compassion. A recently implemented faculty retirement incentive program has reportedly attracted 77 participants, constituting about 3% of full-time faculty, which may mitigate the need for additional layoffs. These faculty members are expected to depart by month-end, contributing to an anticipated annual savings of million.

While exact details of budget cuts remain unspecified, Fry indicated that each unit within the university has been assigned distinct budget reduction targets. Unlike the previous year, which called for a uniform 5% cut, this year’s strategy involves various percentage reductions unique to each college, school, and administrative unit. The spokesperson for the university, however, declined to elaborate on the potential impact on staffing levels.

Discussions surrounding proposed budget reductions have raised concerns about cuts to adjunct faculty positions and a pause in doctoral student admissions in certain programs. Jeffrey Doshna, president of the Temple Association of University Professionals, acknowledged the university’s need to address these pressing issues. He emphasized the importance of transparency and active participation in decision-making regarding budgetary strategies.

Temple University has been grappling with declining enrollment rates, resulting in lost revenue and uncertain federal funding. Fry has previously warned that decisive action is necessary to tackle the ongoing financial crisis. Despite these challenges, the university’s fall enrollment predictions appear more optimistic, with increased deposits from first-time undergraduate and transfer students compared to last year.

In his communication, Fry described the million cuts as an essential step toward stabilizing the university’s finances over the next three years. Acknowledging the anxiety that such reductions can cause, he assured the community that the administration remains committed to transparency and ongoing dialogue with faculty and staff during this difficult period. Moving forward, Fry expressed confidence that Temple University would emerge from the current fiscal challenges stronger and more sustainable in its future endeavors.