By SARAH CLARK
News Editor
On April 15, The College of Saint Rose announced in an email to students that 61 employees are being furloughed through June 28 as well as changes to vacation benefits and pay cuts to non-unionized staff and administrators.
The decision was made to “offset financial challenges,” as colleges across the country face debt because of COVID-19.
“We thought it was important to reach out to you because we want you to know that we make all of our decisions with one very important thing in mind — ensuring that Saint Rose can continue to serve as the best possible educational home for our students,” the email said. “Grappling with the financial challenges is our job, so that you can focus on yours: realizing your fullest potential through a life-changing college experience.”
The email included a link to a statement on the college’s website written by Carolyn Stefanco, the college’s president, who announced on March 3, 2020 that she would be stepping down as of June 30, 2020. The statement sent this morning included that the college spent $3.1 million on room and board credits and refunds, and with the loss of events and rented spaces, the college is now facing a nearly $13.8 million deficit—a decrease from $15.8 million, which was the deficit prior to the changes in employee, administrator and staff salaries and vacation days.
Stefanco also wrote that the college will furlough 61 administrators and staff from April 20 to June 28, 2020 now that classes and events have moved online. However, this only accounts for less than 10% of Saint Rose’s administrators and staff. Employees are told in the statement that using their vacation time can delay the start of their furlough date.
The college will also reduce the salaries of non-unionized staff and administrators. Those who make $50,000 to $100,000 will see a 5 percent pay cut, and non-unionized staff and administrators who make anything above $100,000 will see a 10 percent decrease in their pay through June 28, 2020. Employees affected can expect to see the reflections in their paychecks on May 6.
“We know this is challenging news, as employees may have family members facing furloughs and layoffs, or may have seen the impact of COVID-19 in other ways,” wrote Stefanco. “Our focus remains on what is best for the future of the College and all of its employees, and we remain grateful for those who work so hard to serve our students each day.”
Vacation days have also been affected by these changes, as full-time administrators and staff can only carry over five unused vacation days to the new fiscal year as opposed to 10.
“The vacation carry-over for part-time employees will be pro-rated accordingly,” Stefanco wrote. Next year, the college’s financial situation will be addressed by eliminating vacation carry-over time for administrators and staff.
“The decisions that will be made in the coming year to navigate our existing financial challenges, and forced COVID-19 financial challenges will be difficult and necessary,” wrote Stefanco. “However, those decisions, as challenging as they will be, will be made with a faithful vision of brighter days ahead for The College of Saint Rose.”
