YPSILANTI, MI - Eastern Michigan has eliminated 42 open positions and laid off an additional 17 people in an effort to reduce its projected budget deficit.

EMU Vice President for Communications Walter Kraft informed faculty and staff of the cuts Thursday, March 8, noting that the university examined all areas of its budget in determining reductions, including athletics.

A complete listing of the layoffs and eliminated positions can be viewed online.

"These individuals have given dedicated service to the university and they will be missed," Kraft said. "Appropriate care has been taken to ensure those who have been laid off are supported in a manner outlined in their collective bargaining agreements and following university guidelines."

EMU President James Smith warned of looming cuts to positions in January, noting the university is facing a budget deficit between $4.5 to $5.5 million for the 2018 fiscal year.

Smith said the budget was built on the assumption that EMU would generate 478,000 student credit hours for the 2017-18 academic year. Based on fall semester enrollment the projection was reduced to 473,000 student credit hours and eventually projected down further to 470,000, based on winter enrollment figures.

The credit hour projection, Smith said, represents an 11.6 percent decline from just four years ago. In June, EMU projected it would see less in revenue from tuition and fees, from $221.3 million in 2017 to $214.8 million in 2018 - representing a 2.5 percent drop in credit hours for the 2018 fiscal year.

Kraft said while some areas continue to work on their budget planning and reductions, many others have been implemented.

"These include supplies, services and materials (SS&M) and personnel reductions," Kraft said.

"This does not end our budget challenges, but it does help address them in the short term," Kraft added.

Smith noted in January that state appropriations for higher education have declined compared to 10 years ago, while EMU's state appropriations are lower than they were in 2003. The decline in student credit hours also reflects the evolving demographics of fewer high school students, fewer community college students available to transfer and more individuals choosing work over school, Smith said.

Total enrollment at Eastern Michigan University continued its downward trend this fall, coming in at 20,313 students - down 3.8 percent from last year.