Ghent University's intention to decrease its workforce by 120 employees by 2027 has sparked ongoing protests. An internal document accessed by Belga confirms the university's plans for staff
cuts. Demonstrations have been taking place for several months in response to these proposed layoffs. Environmental activists have particularly opposed the reform of the Green Office on the campus, while unions have predicted even larger layoffs, ranging from 200 to 300 employees. However, the final plans outline the redundancy of 120 full-time workers in the central administration, which employs approximately 800 individuals.
Rector Rik Van de Walle emphasized the university's aim to minimize premature and forced redundancies. With approximately 10,000 employees at Ghent University, the institution intends to achieve most of the staff reduction through natural attrition, such as retirements and voluntary departures. Van de Walle stated, "The number of people who will have to leave the university without wanting to do so will certainly be very low." The staff will receive further information about the restructuring in September.
Environmentalists have raised concerns about the reduction in employees at the Green Office, a service dedicated to promoting sustainability within the university. Van de Walle assures that the Green Office will not be eliminated but rather integrated into the broader organization. The rector believes that the new organizational structure will enhance the incorporation of the Green Office's advice into policymaking.
In addition to staff reductions, Ghent University plans to reorganize its overall structure. Instead of the current nine directorates, the university aims to establish three departments: Education and Research, Campuses and Buildings (including ICT and student facilities), and Personnel Policy, Financial Management, and Administrative Affairs. This new approach intends to optimize building usage and reduce extra costs. For instance, limiting evening activities on campus to fewer buildings in close proximity aims to decrease heating expenses during winter.
While Department Chairs will continue to exist, the Etienne Vermeersch Chair will be discontinued, and alternative financing will be sought for the Chair of Amnesty International.
Rector Van de Walle expresses disappointment with the Flemish government for not complying with previous agreements concerning the university. He emphasizes that proper funding is essential for the university's operations and criticizes the current lack of support. Ghent University needs to save 30 million euros annually to ensure its financial well-being. The plan includes earning an additional 10 million euros and saving 20 million euros. Out of the 20 million, 5 million euros will be allocated for campus facilities, and 15 million euros will be allocated for central administration.
The restructuring plans will be presented to the Board of Directors of Ghent University in the coming week. Photo by Vysotsky, Wikimedia commons.