Key Takeaway:
- Massachusetts college layoffs highlight massive job losses, with nearly 350 faculty and staff members to be laid off this year.
- Phased Shutdown Plans: Layoffs begin in June, with most workers receiving 60 days’ advance notice.
- Employee Health Crisis: Displaced staff face immediate loss of health insurance and housing stability.
Nearly 350 employees will lose their jobs as Anna Maria College and Hampshire College prepare to close in 2026, citing financial challenges and declining enrollment as key factors driving these Massachusetts college layoffs.
Colleges Confirm Layoffs Amid Closure Plans
Two Massachusetts colleges set to shut down later this year are preparing for widespread Massachusetts college layoffs affecting nearly 350 workers, according to state filings released Monday.
Anna Maria College in Paxton said about 150 employees will be laid off as it closes after the spring semester. Hampshire College in Amherst expects 199 layoffs tied to its planned closure at the end of the fall 2026 semester.
Officials at both institutions said the reductions are part of broader shutdown processes as they wind down academic and administrative operations.
Job Cuts Roll Out in Phases With Limited Support
Hampshire College said layoffs will occur in phases, with most employees ending their roles by June 15 as part of ongoing Massachusetts college layoffs. The school said all workers will receive at least 60 days’ notice.
“The staff and faculty reductions will happen in waves,” the college said in a statement. “Every employee will receive at least 60 days’ notice.”
Anna Maria College said layoffs will take place between June 22 and June 30. Some staff members will remain temporarily to support students completing their degrees.
“We are working as quickly as possible to determine impacted roles and timelines,” the college said. “We will communicate directly with those affected as decisions are finalized.”
The MassHire Department of Career Services is expected to assist displaced faculty and staff in finding new employment opportunities.
Community Raises Concerns Over Worker Impact
While several colleges have offered transfer options for affected students, no formal partnerships have been announced to absorb displaced faculty and staff.
An online petition supporting Hampshire College employees is urging other institutions in western Massachusetts to hire affected workers.
“The situation is a crisis,” the petition states. “Hampshire faculty and staff will lose their health insurance June 30, cutting off access to necessary medication and treatment.”
The petition also warns that some employees may face housing instability or immigration-related challenges following job losses.
College officials have not publicly responded to the petition, but said they are focused on managing closures and supporting students through the transition amid ongoing Massachusetts college layoffs.
Visit Future Education Magazine to read more.