University of Vermont President Suresh Garimella is warning the novel coronavirus outbreak could produce big changes at the school, including possible layoffs and cuts to salary and benefits.
In a letter to the UVM community sent Monday, Garimella said any cuts will not burden “any particular segment of our community,” including lower-paid employees and non-unionized staff.
Garimella says national surveys have shown that colleges and universities can expect up to a 20% drop in enrollment.
The loss of income from any drop in enrollment is in addition to the school’s direct expenditures of almost $8.7 million to confront the COVID-19 outbreak, including costs for technology, supplies and room-refunds to students who left campus early. More expenses are to come.
