Washington University in St. Louis undertook significant workforce reductions, laying off 316 employees and cutting 198 unfilled positions to save approximately $52 million annually. Chancellor Andrew Martin cited drastic declines in federal research funding and operational inefficiencies as primary drivers. Despite a strong balance sheet and operating surplus, the university’s expenses have risen sharply in recent years, prompting strategic pauses on construction projects and the suspension of merit raises. These measures aim to ensure long-term financial sustainability while prioritizing core mission commitments amid challenging fiscal conditions.