As members of the United Staff of Columbia College, we are profoundly troubled by the college’s intention to dismiss nearly 25% of our unionized staff. To address this, we have submitted a petition, signed by our members, urging the administration to rethink the planned layoffs and explore alternative solutions to the budgetary challenges.
We, the staff, play a crucial role at Columbia. We’re the first contact admitted students have when they tour the campus, and we’re behind the scenes, supporting them academically and emotionally all the way through graduation. From ensuring they feel safe and included on campus, to helping them prepare for their future careers, we’re involved in every aspect of their college experience. Our work is essential for maintaining the quality of education and the supportive community Columbia is known for.
Cutting staff isn’t just about numbers on a budget sheet; it’s personal. In the past five years, approximately 36% of full-time and part-time staff members have been cut from the college. We’ve already seen the adverse effects of those past layoffs, such as longer wait times with Columbia Central, a greatly reduced student DEI office support, more challenges to meeting with academic advisors who each serve a larger number of students than in the past, fewer contacts within academic departments to answer questions, and difficulty meeting with college therapists. Additional cuts would only further damage our community and our collective efforts to support our mission. Reducing our staff would mean declining the support and services we can offer students, which isn’t fair to them. They deserve a college that’s fully equipped to support their success.
We’re asking the college to think creatively and work with us to find solutions that don’t involve layoffs. There are always alternatives if we’re willing to look for them and work together. We support the campus listening sessions but want to be at the table where decisions are made.
This isn’t just about keeping our jobs. It’s about ensuring that Columbia remains a place where students can thrive. We believe in this college and its mission and we want to make sure it continues to be an excellent place for education. By standing together and finding a way through these tough times, we can keep Columbia strong for current and future students.
Craig Sigele is academic manager in the Communication Department and president of the United Staff of Columbia College.
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