Delaware County Community College has issued layoff notices to all of its part-time and full-time counselors. The college cited budget concerns and possible plans to outsource services as reasons for the layoffs.

The college notified its 14 full-time counselors in early April that their roles would end on June 30. Following negotiations, the layoff date was extended until the end of July. Full-time counselors at the college are considered faculty; 13 of the 14 full-time counselors hold tenure.

The college eliminated 43 positions, including 22 part-time counselors, 15 administrators and support staff, four part-time librarians, and two executives. These cuts would result in no counselors remaining on campus. The college's faculty union is engaged in bargaining with campus leaders regarding the counselor layoffs.

Stacy Cartledge III, President of the DCCC Association of Higher Education, stated that the union hopes to find a resolution. "We're still hoping that we can find a win-win solution that satisfies the college's financial concerns while also continuing to support the students at the same level that they have been supported, and of course, keeping the faculty in place," Cartledge said.

College President Marta Yera Cronin addressed the situation, stating, "It is my sincere hope that, though this moment is painful, it will ultimately mark a turning point in how we are able to confidently support our student population for decades to come." Elizabeth Wood, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications, noted the college's commitment to student support despite the change in model. "While the outsourcing of counseling services would be a different model than the College's current model, the College is committed to providing counseling services that will support the needs of all students," Wood said.

The college has experienced financial deficits for multiple years, and enrollments have declined since 2015. These layoffs are anticipated to save several million dollars. Referrals to the college's CARE Team have increased by approximately 900 percent since 2021.

Why It Matters

The elimination of all on-campus counseling positions affects both full-time tenured faculty and part-time staff. The college closed two Delaware County centers in recent years and opened a new center in March 2026.