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Retrenchment is a formal process used to reduce a workforce for financial reasons. It is not related to individual performance or conduct. Retrenchment is undertaken to address structural budget challenges and to ensure an institution’s long-term sustainability.

While both involve workforce reductions, the term “retrenchment” refers to the workforce reduction of titles represented by the AFT Council. A retrenchment notice provides advance notice that a position is being eliminated at a future date, rather than an immediate separation.

Despite efforts to improve budgeting practices, NJCU will face a $25 million to $30 million budget gap going forward, driven by enrollment declines, funding uncertainty and rising costs. The workforce reductions reflect a longer-term financial realignment of the institution. Retrenchment is one of several actions being taken to responsibly address these challenges and stabilize the institution as it prepares to merge with Kean University.

At this time, retrenchment notices are being issued to some professional staff and faculty represented by AFT Council and AFT Local 1839. Notices to other employee groups will follow on a different timeline.

No. A retrenchment notice does not mean immediate separation. Employees who receive a retrenchment notice are expected to continue in their current roles through the end of the retrenchment period, which is anticipated to conclude at the end of June 2026, unless otherwise notified. During this time, employees are encouraged to explore and apply for other employment opportunities as they plan for the future.

Yes. Retrenched employees are free to apply for  at Kean University, subject to standard hiring processes and qualifications, during the retrenchment period and following completion of the merger, which is expected by July 1, 2026.

The terms of retrenchment are contained in Article XLI of the Collective Negotiation Agreement between the AFT Council and the State of New Jersey. Pursuant to Article XLI, the AFT Council and NJCU are actively participating in impact bargaining. The Universities are in communication with the AFT Council and AFT Local 1839. Employees will be informed of any updates or changes that result from those discussions.

Yes, an impacted employee may apply for retirement if eligible, subject to the State of New Jersey retirement process.

NJCU and Kean University are committed to providing ����tv to affected employees. Career transition and unemployment resources are included with this notification. Mental health ����tv is available for employees through the state’s  program.  

Employees should consult their AFT Local 1839 representatives for union-related questions.

A layoff is an involuntary separation from employment that is not related to an employee’s performance but instead results from financial constraints or organizational restructuring. Under New Jersey Civil Service regulations, a layoff may involve the termination of a permanent employee’s position, a demotion, or a reduction in work hours due to economic conditions. This process is not intended for disciplinary purposes.

NJCU continues to face significant financial challenges, including a projected budget gap of $25-30 million driven by enrollment declines, funding uncertainty, and rising costs. In addition, the State of New Jersey has authorized the merger of NJCU with Kean University, which requires operational and financial realignment.

These workforce reductions are part of a broader effort to ensure the financial stability of the campus and ����tv the successful completion of the merger. Layoffs are one of several actions being taken to responsibly address these challenges.

The layoffs impact employees represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA) across various roles.

During the week of April 27, 2026, employees will receive invitations to meet with Human Resources at Hepburn Hall. At that time, all Civil Service employees will receive general notices. The general notice will also be posted in all affected facilities. Potentially affected CWA bargaining unit employees will also receive individual notices.

Employees who are laid off will have an effective separation date of June 15, 2026.

The treatment of accrued leave (such as vacation or compensatory time) will be handled in accordance with applicable State regulations and collective bargaining agreements. Employees are encouraged to consult their union representative or Human Resources for guidance specific to their situation.

Yes. NJCU has taken extensive steps over several years to reduce costs and avoid these layoffs. These measures have included reductions in force, retrenchments, furlough programs, salary reductions for certain employees, hiring freezes, operational efficiencies, and voluntary separation programs. While these actions reduced the need for workforce reductions, they were not sufficient to address the university’s long-term financial challenges.

Civil Service regulations provide several protections:

• Lateral (or lateral title) rights: The right to displace another employee in the same or comparable title. 
• Demotional rights: The right to displace another employee in a lower title within the same layoff unit. 
• These rights are based on seniority, defined as continuous permanent service regardless of title.
• Laid-off permanent employees also have special reemployment rights, which place them on a State-managed list for potential rehire into the same title when positions become available. These lists are available to all State agencies and do not expire.
• The New Jersey Civil Service Commission is responsible for determining these rights and notifying employees.

Yes. Employees may be impacted by the exercise of lateral or demotional rights by other employees as part of the Civil Service process.

Yes. Employees may apply for retirement if they are eligible, subject to the State of New Jersey retirement process.

Yes. Employees who are laid off may apply for posted positions at Kean University, subject to standard hiring processes and qualifications. NJCU has also communicated with other State colleges and universities to encourage consideration of affected employees for available opportunities.

NJCU is committed to ����tving employees during this transition. Information on career transition services and unemployment resources will be provided with layoff notifications. Mental health ����tv is also available through .

Layoff decisions are governed by New Jersey Civil Service rules, including title, seniority, and displacement rights. These decisions are not based on job performance.

Yes. Employees whose positions are affected will receive individual layoff notices in addition to a general notice issued to all potentially impacted employees.

Employees should consult their CWA representatives for union-related questions. Additional guidance may also be provided through Human Resources and official university communications.

Take these actions to begin your transition:

1. File for unemployment benefits when your employment ends.
2. Update your resume and begin your job search.
3. Review health care options, including COBRA and marketplace plans.
4. Explore additional resources for ����tv.

Unemployment benefits provide temporary income if you have lost work through no fault of your own. You can . Note that you cannot file for unemployment in the State of New Jersey until your term of employment ends. Claims filed before you are separated from employment are not valid because you are considered employed full-time.

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, not NJCU, determines whether you are eligible for unemployment benefits and, if so, the amount of such benefits.

Payments begin after your claim is processed, and you have certified eligibility. You will be asked to  that you are still eligible. If you have already filed within the past year, you may be able to reopen your claim. 

Steps to file:

1. Prepare your employment history, employer names and wage information.

2. Visit the  to register or log in.

3. Follow the guided steps to submit your claim.

NJCU employees who receive retrenchment or layoff notices are strongly encouraged to begin their job search immediately. 

New Jersey offers in-person and virtual career ����tv at One-Stop Career Centers across the state. 

Services include personal career coaching, resume reviews and updates, interview preparation, and training and skill-building workshops. You can find your local center .

Many online tools, including ,  and , offer job search best practices in addition to open positions.

Affected employees have several options for health insurance.

• COBRA Continuation Coverage: COBRA allows you to keep your former employer’s health plan for a limited time, usually up to 18 months. You must elect COBRA within 60 days of losing coverage; you typically pay the full cost plus a small administrative fee. 
• Health Insurance Marketplace (GetCoveredNJ): You can shop for new individual or family plans through , the state’s insurance marketplace. You may qualify for financial help based on your income. A qualifying event, such as a job loss, typically triggers a special enrollment period.
• NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid): You may also be eligible for low-cost or free coverage through , depending on income. 

When reviewing health care coverage options, compare the cost of COBRA coverage with premiums available through the health insurance marketplace. Marketplace plans may offer subsidies that can reduce monthly costs. Select a coverage option that aligns with your health care needs and your budget. You can find more information .

Employees impacted by a job loss may be eligible for additional ����tv programs to assist with food and utility bills, housing or rental assistance, childcare subsidies and other needs. 

Please visit the  for more information.

Connecting with friends and family, speaking with a counselor or ����tv group, and practicing stress-relief habits like walking, journaling, or meditation can help during times of career transitions. 

Mental health ����tv is available for employees through the state’s  program.

For immediate or ongoing ����tv, visit  or the  for referral services.