DePaul University is cutting 28 non-faculty staff jobs because of declining enrollment. View Full Caption DNAinfo/Paul Biasco

DEPAUL — DePaul University is cutting 28 non-faculty staff jobs because of deficits caused by declining enrollment.

The Office of the Provost put out a letter Thursday stating that it would be laying off 28 full- and part-time staffers "to accommodate the budget deficit created by declining enrollments in some programs, a challenge faced by universities across Illinois."

The letter, signed by Provost Marten denBoer and Executive Vice President Jeff Bethke, said efforts had been made in many university departments to restructure positions or eliminate open positions, but the job cuts were necessary in 13 colleges and divisions. It estimated the 28 jobs as 1.6 percent of the current non-faculty workforce of about 1,800 people.

According to the letter, those laid off will receive "severance pay, subsidized benefits, a tuition waiver extension if applicable, and access to outplacement services." It also said they would receive priority in any other university positions that open up that they're qualified for.

"We do not anticipate any further job reductions to meet the approved budget for the next academic year," the letter concluded.