Cornell announced on Friday its voluntary retirement programs for staff. In the wake of a budget crisis that has crippled the economy, the University has decided to offer the packages to eligible employees in an effort to alleviate financial strain on the University.
“The national and global economy has continued to decline, increasing the need for further budget reductions, including postponement of many faculty recruitments and reductions in staff,” Mary Opperman, vice president for human services, stated in a press release.
“Because layoffs are inevitable, President Skorton and I believe that Cornell University has a responsibility to give long-serving staff members the opportunity to leave with dignity and a measure of financial security,” she said in the statement.