Atlanta Metropolitan State College laid off 18 employees Wednesday as part of recent cost-cutting measures, officials said.

The job cuts included five faculty positions. College officials said they’ve previously frozen hiring and delayed the purchase and repair of equipment to save money.

College officials said they’ve had to cut expenses due to a recent enrollment decline. The college’s enrollment is about 2,500 students, a 10 percent decline from the prior year, according to an annual University System of Georgia report completed last month.

“This restructuring will ensure the enrollment services processes are more effective and efficient, resulting in increased recruitment, admissions, and enrollment,” the college said in a statement.

The employees will be paid for an additional 60 days, spokeswoman Sonja Roberts said.

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