Becker College laying off 329 as it prepares to close

— The Worcester-based Becker College is planning to lay off 329 employees when it closes at the end of the academic year. The Worcester Telegram and Gazette reports the college cited the numbers as part of a filing for the state’s Worker Adjustment and Retraining Act, which is triggered when certain thresholds for layoffs are met. The board of the private Becker College voted in March to close at the end of the academic year, citing declining enrollment, rising costs, an insufficient endowment and the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. This year’s graduation is scheduled for later this month and the school will continue to provide academic support and transitional services to students through Aug. 31.