OAKLAND CITY, Ind. (WFIE) – There are not immediate plans to close Oakland City University, according to Associate Vice President for Development, Marketing, and Communications Todd Mosby.
However, he says on advice of legal council, warn notices have been filed with the state.
Mosby says it is to ensure compliance with federal regulations that apply to employers with more than 100 employees.
Under those guidelines, he says organizations are required to provide advance notice when layoffs are possible.
OCU has 112 full time faculty and staff, as well as 37 adjunct instructors.
There are 548 students, including in-campus and online.
“We are actively implementing strategies to strengthen financial stability and position ourselves for long-term sustainability. We are confident that a viable path forward has been established, even as we work through our current fiscal pressures,” said Mosby.
OCU was founded in 1885, meaning they have been a part of Oakland City for a 141 years.
Here is a copy of the emails sent to faculty and staff:
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO EMPLOYEES
Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act
This letter is to provide you with formal notice under the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act regarding a potential employment action that may affect your position with Oakland City University.
Due to continued financial challenges, Oakland City University is currently anticipating the need to implement a mass layoff of employees, which may become permanent.
Effective Date:The anticipated start date of the layoff is June 1, 2026.
Nature of Action: This notice is being provided in compliance with the WARN Act. As part of the layoff, you may be placed in an unpaid, non-working status. You will be notified directly if and when you are requested to return to work.
Affected Employees: This action may affect all employees at Oakland City University, including your position.
Bumping Rights:Employees do not have bumping rights (i.e., the right to displace other employees based on seniority) as part of this action.
Benefits and Compensation: Information regarding continuation of benefits, eligibility for unemployment insurance, and any available assistance programs will be provided separately. You may be eligible to apply for unemployment benefits through the State of Indiana.
Contact Information: If you have questions regarding this notice, please contact Human Resources
We understand that this news may be difficult, and we are committed to keeping you informed as decisions are finalized. We deeply appreciate your service and contributions to Oakland City University, and we will communicate any updates as soon as they become available.
Dr. Ron D. Dempsey
President
Oakland City University
Copyright 2026 WFIE. All rights reserved.