St. Cloud State planning major cuts in faculty and programming

May 7, 2024

ST. CLOUD, Minn.–One of Minnesota’s biggest universities plans to move ahead with major cuts to both faculty and programming.

In a letter to the St. Cloud State University (SCSU) campus community, Acting President Larry Lee announced proposed cuts that will slash up to $9 million by 2026. The university lost $18 million last year and is projected to lose $5.5 million this year.

Lee says the higher education landscape is facing unprecedented struggles that include student enrollment declines, and affordability concerns.

Lee wrote in the letter sent Monday night. “These decisions are painful, yet they are necessary for SCSU to continue to fulfill its mission.”

Lee said he will make the final decision on how to move forward with the proposals but only after he consults with faculty and staff. He hopes to make those decisions by the end of June.