Western Michigan University announced an early retirement buyout program for eligible tenured faculty to relieve budget pressure and address workforce challenges. The offer, set to open to tenured faculty aged 60 and older in September, is designed to generate at least $5 million in savings if enough professors opt in. Under the plan, accepted applicants would receive a payout ranging from 50% to 100% of salary, depending on length of service, and would depart at the end of 2026. Interim Provost Christopher Cheatham and Vice President for Finance Jan Van Der Kley said the program reflects “stewardship” priorities alongside transparency. WMU’s announcement ties the buyouts to recent enrollment and financial strain, including a 22% fall in fall enrollment from 2019 to 2024 and a widening fiscal 2025 operating loss, alongside declines in state appropriations and tuition and fees.