Twenty-nine employees have seen their jobs at Holland College affected and several programs have been suspended as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Holland College announced several mitigation strategies to minimize the pandemic’s financial impact. Four people have been laid off, while 25 other employees have been affected because their hours have been reduced, or contract start dates have been delayed or adjusted.
The dance performance, theatre performance, cabinetmaking/wood manufacturing, commercial diving and aircraft turbine technician programs will be suspended for the upcoming academic year, which resulted in the staff layoffs.
There will also be staff reductions in other areas resulting in delayed or adjusted contract start dates, and some vacant positions will not be filled for the upcoming year.
The college will also continue to implement a college-wide systematic approach to balance cost reduction and revenue generation in an effort to achieve financial sustainability.
“The effects of COVID-19 have been profound for colleges and universities in the region and across the country. Holland College has certainly felt the impact,” said college president Sandy MacDonald.
“For the coming academic year, we are projecting significant reductions in revenues and greatly increased expenditures as we adapt to this new reality. Although the future remains uncertain and other interventions may be required, we are optimistic these changes will find us fully prepared for the start of the academic year.”
NOTE: An earlier version of this story said 29 people are laid off. In fact, 29 staff members are affected by layoffs, reduction in hours and delays in start dates.
