WISCONSIN — Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor (CUWAA) announced it will make staff and faculty “reductions” at both its Wisconsin and Michigan campuses.

A recent review of the university’s finances was completed on Feb. 1, and President Erik Ankerberg said based on that review, CUWAA “must reduce costs to operate sustainably within existing revenues.” The financial report has not been made public as of Friday morning.

On Thursday, the university’s board of regents held a special session on Concordia’s future.

John Berg, the chair of Concordia’s board of regents and an associate pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church, made the announcement in a video on Friday morning. However, Ankerberg had previously said staff reductions were likely coming.

“There will be faculty and staff reductions on both campuses, and further measures to improve the university’s financial position,” he said in the video.

The number of positions that will be cut has not been confirmed by the university. Additionally, a timeline has yet to be released. Berg said a subcommittee will work out a timeline and the university will share it when it is approved.

“As you know, a recent financial health analysis has alerted us to financial deficits that will impede our ability to live our mission and to be well positioned for the future if we do not attend to those deficits on each campus. This situation is most acute at our Ann Arbor campus, and therefore has been the most pressing proposition for the board to consider,” Berg said.

However, Berg said the Ann Arbor campus will remain open through at least the 2024-25 academic year, and potentially beyond. Athletics and arts programs will continue to operate as well. 

Watch Berg's full address, here.