In an effort to make up for an early-retirement exodus of 22 Pitt-Johnstown staff members, university officials are conducting job searches to add new staff around campus.

According to President Jem Spectar, many staff members cashed in on an early retirement program in June, leaving their jobs open.

“Through a strategic effort to enhance the service to our students … we developed a comprehensive plan to replace a number of those positions,” Spectar said.

But not all of the empty positions are to be refilled, according to Human Resources Director Pam Sabol.

Before a slew of hirings, Sabol said administrators discussed ways to cut back.

As a result, some of the previous positions were eliminated and some are likely to be consolidated, Sabol said.

“That was a chance for us to assess and evaluate what we needed,” she said.

Staff additions have been made throughout the campus with hires being made in the business, registrar and admissions offices, according to the Pitt-Johnstown Winter 2012 Community Report.

As of Sunday, four positions posted on Pitt-Johnstown’s website remained unfulfilled. The postings are for an Assistant Athletic Director, an Sssociate Admissions Director and a financial aid assistant. There is also an opening for Student Affairs Vice President after John Wescott stepped down from the position.

Community Relations Vice President Bob Knipple said many staff members took on extra work to compensate for staff losses while job searches were underway.

“Everyone pitched in to pick up the extra tasks, and the place has continued to operate well.

“Having said that, I’m currently in the process of hiring two employees for my area and I can’t get those people on board soon enough,” he said.