Drexel University’s Academy of Natural Sciences will significantly reduce its operating hours beginning on October 1, 2023. The museum will now only open on weekends due to ongoing funding challenges and lower visitor numbers that have not returned to pre-pandemic levels. Scott Cooper, CEO of the Academy, stated that these changes are necessary to align better with visitor demand.
In a statement, Cooper explained that the decision to cut hours stems from “several challenging factors,” including reductions in federal funding and an overall drop in attendance. The new hours will see the museum operating on Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This adjustment reflects that approximately 70% of visits occur during the weekend. Cooper also mentioned that special times will be set aside for school visits on Thursdays and Fridays, alongside continued members-only hours throughout the year.
Financial Pressures Affecting Operations
The cutback in hours comes as part of a wider trend affecting higher education institutions in Pennsylvania. Several universities have been forced to implement cost-saving measures, including layoffs and mergers, in response to declining enrollment and rising operational costs. Since 2016, ten universities in the state have either closed or merged.
Drexel University itself has faced significant financial difficulties, reporting a total operating loss of $63 million for the fiscal year 2024. Just two months prior to this announcement, Drexel laid off 60 employees, amounting to about 1.4% of its workforce. The university is pursuing a “multi-year financial resiliency plan” aimed at cutting $150 million in costs, a move prompted by issues related to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid rollout in 2024.
Commitment to Legacy amidst Challenges
Cooper emphasized the importance of these decisions, acknowledging the difficulty involved but expressing confidence in their necessity. “While these are not easy decisions, we are confident they are the right ones as we continue the vital work of stewarding our incredible legacy as the oldest natural history museum and natural science research institution in the Americas,” he stated.
As the Academy navigates these financial pressures, it aims to maintain its commitment to education and public engagement, albeit on a reduced schedule. The adjustments reflect an effort to ensure the museum can sustain its operations while continuing to serve the community.
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