Duke Layoffs and Buyouts Amid Funding, Policy Strains

Duke University is making significant workforce reductions due to budget pressures, declining federal funding, and policy changes under the Trump administration, with nearly 600 staff accepting voluntary buyouts and over 250 faculty considering retirement incentives. Despite these efforts, involuntary layoffs will proceed in August, although the large buyout participation is expected to reduce their number. The cuts impact key areas such as libraries, student affairs, and research offices, fueling concerns about increased workloads and declining service quality. Faculty and staff have criticized the process's lack of shared governance, with the American Association of University Professors urging a pause until more consultation occurs. Duke's actions reflect a wider trend, as institutions like the UVM Health Network are also enacting major job cuts and cost-saving measures amid similar financial and policy pressures. Both higher education and healthcare sectors are reporting increased strain on services and staff morale as they seek financial sustainability.