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photo courtesy of Oakland City University
Oakland City University has announced plans to conduct layoffs at the end of this month and suspend undergraduate programs for at least the upcoming academic year.
The university did not specifically give a reason for the latest moves but has previously cited “financial challenges” despite saying the southwest Indiana school would not be closing.
In April, the university filed a WARN notice with the Indiana Department of Workforce Development saying it would lay off 167 employees beginning June 1, but spokesperson Todd Mosby said at that time the filing was only a precautionary measure.
The WARN notice said the layoffs would affect 110 full-time employees and 57 adjunct and part-time employees.
In a news release on Tuesday, the university said the layoffs would be effective May 31, though a specific number of affected employees was not given.
OCU noted that undergraduate students will be informed of the suspension of undergraduate programs and “provided guidance and options for next steps as plans move forward.”
The university noted that graduate-level programs will remain in place, and it is preparing to resume undergraduate operations for the 2027-2028 academic year.
Last week, OCU confirmed to our partners at WEHT-TV Channel 25 that the university was not closing, and a “strategic partnership” with an unnamed corporate entity would allow classes to resume in the fall.
The university said in the release that there are no additional updates or comments at this time. Mosby did not immediately respond to a request from Inside INdiana Business for more information on the strategic partnership or number of layoffs.
Oakland City University is a private higher education institution with 505 full-time undergraduate students enrolled as of Fall 2024, according to the university’s website. The university is located in Gibson County, about 40 miles from Evansville and about 140 miles southwest of Indianapolis.
Christopher Pietruszkiewicz, president of nearby University of Evansville, issued a statement Tuesday afternoon following the news.
“My thoughts are first with the students whose educational journeys have been disrupted, as well as the faculty and staff members who have dedicated their careers to educating, mentoring, and supporting students in hopes of helping them build meaningful lives and make a difference in the world. I am also thinking of President Dempsey and all those who worked tirelessly—often against strong headwinds—in hopes of a different outcome.
For students who may be concerned that their educational pathway has been disrupted, there are still pathways forward to continue their education and complete their degrees. The University of Evansville stands ready to help students navigate that path in any way we can.”
The University of Southern Indiana, also in Evansville, said Tuesday it is working with OCU to support students and employees affected by OCU’s decision.
USI said it is offering resources, personalized guidance and academic pathways to help OCU students continue their education.
The university said it is also offering a waived application fee for OCU students applying to USI, the opportunity for an OCU $1,200 scholarship and access to additional scholarship opportunities, and career counseling and planning resources.
“We recognize what a challenging moment this is for the OCU community,” USI President Steve Bridges said in written remarks. “We understand that every student’s situation is unique, and we are ready to provide personalized guidance that reflects your goals. We can offer clear options and individualized support to help you stay on track and move forward with confidence.”
USI is also encouraging OCU faculty and staff who are being laid off to review current openings on the university’s website.
This story has been updated with statements from the University of Evansville and the University of Southern Indiana.
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