CGS fires eight staffers

Following “a very careful analysis of its organization,” Pitt’s College of General Studies… Following “a very careful analysis of its organization,” Pitt’s College of General Studies eliminated 11 positions last week, according to Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs Robert Hill.

Hill said that CGS, “in consultation with Human Resources, has established a new organizational structure,” which included eliminating the positions of eight active employees, six of which worked on Pitt’s campus.

In a statement released yesterday, CGS Student Government President Jillian Costigan said she was “sorry to hear about the loss of personnel since CGS has always offered excellent services to their students.”

“I hope that this loss does not affect the services provided in the future,” Costigan said, adding that she understood “the financial problems that the University faces.”

Three of the 11 eliminated positions were vacant at the time of the realignment.

Hill said the moves, effective immediately, came after “assessing the changing educational needs of adult students as well as employers in the area.”

Calling CGS “a major provider of adult education in the region,” Hill said the organizational changes are designed to help the college “provide improved service to students” for both credit and noncredit programs.

“The college believes it will more effectively serve as a coordinated center of access [for students],” Hill said.

Costigan said that she was not certain about how the reorganization would specifically affect students, but said “[I] realize that changes must occur to ensure the strength of CGS in the years to come.”

The CGS Dean’s Office referred all comments to Hill.