The College for Creative Studies (CCS) announced, today, an administrative restructuring plan to realign resources to support student education as the college navigates revenue and operational challenges as a result of COVID-19.     

CCS has experienced increased costs due to the pandemic causing an interruption in its winter semester and the loss of summer revenue.  The college is also projecting a financial contraction in the months ahead due to a reduction in endowment, a forecasted reduction in fall enrollment, and a necessary reduction in campus activity to ensure the safety of the students and faculty.

As a result, CCS is undertaking an administrative restructuring plan that includes the following: the elimination of approximately five percent of its workforce; an immediate salary and hiring freeze; elimination of external contracts where possible; and, an immediate halt to all non-essential capital projects.  In addition to these operational reductions, new capital investments will be focused on student education and enrichment through improved and expanded technology that will ensure best-in-class learning experiences, increased career development through greater access to practical work experiences, and a streamlined administrative structure that will be more responsive to changing academic needs.

“As we developed this restructuring plan, our decision making was mission-driven and laser focused on delivering the best student experience,” said Don Tuski, CCS President “While we were faced with making these difficult decisions, making these changes now will allow us to adapt to the new circumstances facing higher education and deliver an exceptional and safe experience this fall. 

The restructuring includes the reassignment of key positions. Tim Flattery, Chair of Entertainment Arts and Don Kilpatrick, Chair of Illustration, will serve as Interim Co-leaders of Undergraduate Studies. In this role, they will oversee the college’s undergraduate departments and serve as the liaison between the faculty, department chairs and the president.  Vince Carducci’s role with CCS will transition from Dean of Undergraduate Studies to Dean Emeritus.

CCS also intends to bring new emphasis to structuring the college’s community and corporate partnerships to support applied learning opportunities for every student.  The goal is to use every available resource to prepare CCS students for full employment or engagement with an individual studio practice. 

“CCS’s mission is more important than ever as we seek creative, innovative solutions to the challenges before us.  This restructuring will allow the faculty and staff to be more flexible and responsive in a time of uncertainty.  Our plan is mission-driven and student focused,” said Jim Nicholson, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. “These changes will ensure CCS’s resiliency and success into the future.”

CCS is a non-profit private college that enrolls more than 1,400 students and 492 faculty and administrative staff members, with an annual budget of $55 million.  The college offers undergraduate degrees across 11 majors, four graduate degrees and one teacher certification program.