University of St. Francis Announces Faculty Job Cuts Amid Reorganization

The University of St. Francis (USF) in Joliet has announced plans to reduce faculty positions as part of a broader “strategic reorganization.” This decision follows the recent elimination of 18 staff and administrative roles, as communicated by Lisa Sampalis, the university’s vice president for university advancement, in an email to the community.

Sampalis confirmed that non-renewal notifications have been sent to “a number of faculty,” although she did not disclose the exact number of affected individuals. A non-renewal notification indicates that the university intends not to renew contracts for certain faculty members. All USF faculty currently hold contracts that extend until May 15, 2026, suggesting that no immediate cuts will take place within this timeframe.

The university has established an appeal process for those receiving non-renewal notifications, which is currently in progress, according to Sampalis. More details regarding the restructuring and job cuts will be discussed in a town hall meeting scheduled for November 12, but this meeting will be limited to the internal campus community.

These changes come shortly after the appointment of new university President Ryan Hendrickson, who took office on June 1. Hendrickson succeeded Arvid Johnson, who retired on May 31. Johnson had announced his retirement plans more than a year prior to his departure from the position.

In light of the ongoing adjustments, USF is providing updates about the reorganization on its official website at stfrancis.edu/saints-united. The site was recently updated to include additional specifics about the cuts. According to information posted by the university, the reorganization aims to ensure that academic programs remain “innovative, relevant, and reflective of today’s career and service opportunities.”

The recent staff cuts and the impending faculty reductions reflect a significant shift at USF as it navigates the challenges of maintaining educational excellence while adapting to changing demands in higher education. As the university moves forward, the community will be closely watching how these changes impact both faculty and student experiences at the institution.