USM eliminates 6 marketing positions [Video]

The University of Southern Maine has laid off six marketing department employees, school administrators announced Tuesday, but plans to create five new positions.

University leadership said they made the decision after a comprehensive review of the current department and strategy.

“How we recruit students has changed drastically over the past decade, and to thrive in the future, our team will need new and varied skills,” Meaghan Arena, vice president for enrollment management, marketing and student retention, said in an emailed statement Tuesday.

Arena said impacted employees were notified early Tuesday, and the layoffs were effective the same day.

“They will receive severance, benefits and pay in lieu of notice in accordance with our collective bargaining agreements,” she said.

For employees with less than five years of experience, that means four months of pay and benefits. Those with more than five years of experience receive a greater severance package relative to their length of service.

But …