Cabrini University has laid off six full-time faculty as part of its plan to close its deficit

Cabrini University this month laid off six full-time faculty, three of them tenured, as another step in its budget-cutting to help close a deficit.

They represent 8.7% of Cabrini’s 69 full-time faculty. Of those laid off, two taught writing and narrative arts, two science, one math, and one visual and performing arts, a university spokesperson said.

The cuts follow a move in late October by the small Catholic university in Radnor to eliminate some senior academic leadership positions, including that of the provost. Other restructuring was announced, too — including going from three colleges to two — all aimed at saving the school nearly $1 million this year.

» READ MORE: With a mounting deficit, Cabrini University eliminates academic leadership positions, including the provost

When the university made the cuts, its interim president, Helen G. Drinan, said that the school was facing a deficit of $5 million to $6 million in its $45 million budget and that enrollment had fallen to about 1,500, down from 2,360 in 2016. She also said the university was exploring a merger.

At that time, Drinan said more cuts were anticipated.

On Tuesday, a university spokesperson said the faculty cuts were part of a restructuring plan approved by the board of trustees.

» READ MORE: Accreditor asks Cabrini for information on its cuts to senior academic leadership positions

“No programs were eliminated as part of this plan,” said spokesperson Trish Bradley. “These changes may have an impact on a limited number of students, and the university will be working with the students if there are any adjustments to their spring 2023 schedules.”

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education last month had requested a supplemental report from Cabrini on its restructuring. Cabrini has said it submitted the report. The commission hasn’t taken further action.