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Hampshire College Begins Layoffs With 9 Staff Members

Hampshire College in Amherst, Mass. (Courtesy of Hampshire College)
Hampshire College in Amherst, Mass. (Courtesy of Hampshire College)

The president of Hampshire College has announced a first round of staff layoffs. This comes a month after the college said it's seeking a "strategic partner" to help the school stay viable.

The nine layoffs — which will take effect April 19 — are part of a restructuring that the president, Miriam Nelson, announced in January. She has said the college's dire finances make downsizing necessary.

In a letter to the campus, Nelson said the employees who will be laid off come from admissions and the advancement office, which includes fundraising. She wrote that the college has stopped recruiting students for now, and until Hampshire's future becomes clearer, the college is evaluating how to structure its administration.

Hampshire officials declined further comment about the layoffs.

In the past, the college said it expects to announce more layoffs in early April — and those could include faculty.

Hampshire College says it currently employs 400 people — 250 staff and 150 faculty.

This story was first published by New England Public Radio.

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