Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster is eliminating some positions. According to a statement, "fewer than 20 positions" were cut Wednesday. An exact number wasn't provided.Also, several positions were changed last week from a 12-month schedule to a 10-month schedule.The college said it and other higher education institutions are navigating financial challenges caused by shifting demographics, economic pressures and changes in student enrollment patterns."To adapt and build with strength, F&M has taken hard, carefully considered steps to ensure that our budget is sustainable," the college said. "Unfortunately, reducing the number of our employees to better match the size of our student body is a necessary part of responsible management."Full statement"All of higher education is navigating financial challenges driven by shifting demographics, economic pressures, and changes in student enrollment patterns. At the same time, it is more important than ever to live up to our mission for our current and future students and for the public good. To adapt and build with strength, F&M has taken hard, carefully considered steps to ensure that our budget is sustainable. "As part of the reduction in workforce announced earlier this academic year, fewer than 20 positions are being eliminated today. Last week, several positions were changed from a 12-month schedule to a 10-month schedule, with full retention of benefits. F&M's senior leadership and Board of Trustees are deeply grateful for our employees' service to F&M and are committed to helping each of those affected to navigate a successful path forward. For those employees whose positions are being eliminated, we are offering a severance package that includes continued salary and healthcare benefits for several months, and help with their career transition through a robust outplacement service provider."Unfortunately, reducing the number of our employees to better match the size of our student body is a necessary part of responsible management. Like our sister institutions, the College has been working in numerous ways to respond to the challenges facing all of American higher education. The goal of our actions, as always, is to stay true to our mission, support and enhance the powerful education we offer, and focus on the long-term sustainability of the institution. We take pride in offering an undergraduate education of the highest quality, in providing opportunities for talented students from a variety of backgrounds, and in graduating generations of Diplomats to come who have the skills to make a positive impact on their communities and the world."