Professional staff at Columbia College Chicago submitted a 150-signature petition to President Kwang-Wu Kim, urging the administration to halt the scheduled layoffs of employees and asking it to explore alternative budget management strategies. The Columbia College administration laid off 331 staff members between 2015 and 2018. Since 2018, the staff has been reduced by another 64 percent.

“It’s unbelievable what they’re doing. In just the past five years, we’ve lost approximately 36% of our staff, leading to less support for everyone, which significantly hurts students. There will be longer wait times for student services, reduced support and a strain on academic and emotional support systems for students,” United Staff of Columbia College (USofCC) Spokesperson Craig Sigele said. “Further staff reductions would only exacerbate the damage to our community and hinder our collective mission. It’s about more than numbers; it’s about maintaining the level of support and services our students deserve.” The adverse effects of the layoffs on students include:

• Longer wait times with Columbia Central,

• Greatly reduced student Department of Equity and Inclusion office support,

• Longer wait time to meet with academic advisors, who each serve a larger number of students than in the past,

USofCC is currently negotiating a new contract with the Columbia College Board of Trustees. The union’s current contract expires on Aug. 31.

Photo Credit: Illinois Education Association