Chapman Lays Off 12 Administrative Workers : Education: University president says cuts will increase efficiency, free money for library and repairs.

Chapman University notified 12 employees Monday that their jobs will be eliminated in the first layoffs there in several years.

The move will save more than $500,000 in the fiscal year starting June 1, President James L. Doti said Monday. All 12 jobs are administrative or staff positions; no teachers will be laid off.

The savings from the cuts will allow the university to spend more money for its library and to double its repair and maintenance budget, which includes projects to make campus buildings more accessible to the handicapped, Doti said.

The layoffs address future needs rather than any present budget crisis, Doti said. The 2,900-student campus is actually expecting a budget surplus this year, and enrollment has increased 32% in the last two years, he said.

“We’re concerned about future years and trying to run as efficiently as possible,” Doti said. “I would rather do this now in a position of strength, rather than a position of weakness.”

Still, the decision to eliminate the positions was difficult, Doti said. Announcement of the cuts will made to the larger campus community today.

“This is not something we’re used to doing,” Doti said. “It’s not easy. But sometimes you have to make tough decisions for the long-run health and viability of the institution.”

The positions being eliminated include senior directors and secretaries and are spread throughout the university, Doti said. The university, with an annual budget of about $60 million, includes about 470 full-time faculty, staff and administrative positions.