Massive Layoffs Strike UA's Writing Program as Financial Troubles Deepen

The University of Arizona has terminated the contracts of at least 10 full-time faculty members from its writing program, citing a projected decline in enrollment for the upcoming fall semester. This decision reflects ongoing financial challenges and prior cost-cutting measures at the university.

Jon LaGuardia, a teaching veteran since 2008, received notification Monday that he would not have his contract renewed. Along with other affected instructors, LaGuardia taught essential introductory courses, including English 101 and English 102, critical for all incoming freshmen.

The faculty members were given just 24 hours to retrieve their teaching materials and faced only six days of remaining health insurance coverage. “I am in a place of complete and total uncertainty right now,” LaGuardia expressed, highlighting the abrupt nature of the decision.

UA spokesperson Mitch Zak explained that staffing adjustments are made annually based on enrollment projections. “We recognize the impact this has on the individuals affected, and remain committed to supporting our faculty and advancing student success,” he stated.

All faculty members affected were career-track lecturers, expected to provide stability within the department. LaGuardia emphasized that career-track faculty should generally anticipate contract renewals, despite the annual uncertainty.

Faculty who spoke out against the layoffs noted that this practice of letting go full-time instructors only to replace them with adjuncts is becoming increasingly routine within the writing program. This strategy is viewed as an effort to cut costs amid the university’s financial crisis, initially disclosed last year.

In January 2024, the UA reported a $177 million shortfall attributed to decreasing revenues. Consequently, officials announced university-wide budget cuts, which included layoffs and the resignation of President Robert Robbins, who will continue receiving a substantial salary until the end of his contract.

Logan Phillips, a faculty member affected by the cuts, criticized this approach, stating, “This is all strategy by management to try to keep costs low so that money can go elsewhere.” He expressed concern for his family’s financial future in light of these changes.

Instructors often fear speaking out on pay, as the threat of non-renewal looms large. Phillips acknowledged that, while teaching, they provide critical support to first-year students facing challenges as they adjust to university life.

Last year’s incoming class at UA was the largest on record, with over 9,300 new freshmen. However, faculty have been informed to anticipate enrollment reductions next year by about 2,000 students. Historical trends suggest a spike in enrollment may arise later in the summer.

Demographers have long predicted a national decline in college enrollment tied to lower birth rates following the Great Recession. Leila Hudson, chair of the UA Faculty Senate, stated that the university should view this situation as an opportunity for restructuring rather than resorting to drastic measures.

Compensations for full-time non-senior lecturers at UA range from approximately $45,100 to $48,900 annually, which is considerably less than similar positions at Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University. Faculty members were already negotiating raises, but some speculate that the layoffs were planned to offset these new salary increases.

“This is a job that a lot of people give themselves to because they love it,” LaGuardia said, emphasizing the commitment educators feel towards their roles. He lamented the challenges posed by limited salaries and working conditions.

The United Campus Workers Arizona union labeled the terminations as a reminder that the UA administration prioritizes profits over people. An unnamed layoff victim expressed deep concern for her family’s impending loss of health insurance.

Last month, the university recruited David Ebert as its first chief artificial intelligence and data science officer for a salary of $445,000, which is comparable to the salaries of the ten affected writing instructors. Hudson remarked on the vital role that human instructors play in fostering proper writing and critical thinking skills, which cannot be replaced by artificial intelligence.