🧵 In Today’s Edition

1. Guilford College Considers Tenured Faculty Layoffs
2. The Weekender

Guilford College Considers Formal Step Toward Possible Faculty Layoffs

Guilford College’s Board of Trustees and administrators in recent weeks have weighed declaring financial exigency, a step that would allow the college to lay off tenured faculty, according to memos obtained by The Assembly.

The American Association of University Professors defines financial exigency—widely used across higher education—as a “severe financial crisis that fundamen­tally compromises the academic integrity of the institution as a whole and that cannot be alleviated by less drastic means.”

Guilford has struggled with sagging enrollment and high expenses, The Assembly reported last month. As a condition of loans it took out over the past decade, Guilford was required to bring in a consultant to help improve its balance sheet, and the college is on probation with its accreditor because of its finances.

In internal and external communications over the past few weeks, Guilford officials have cited those issues as reasons to consider declaring financial exigency. They have also engaged the Guilford community in a cost-cutting process they hoped would avoid the step.

“It would be irresponsible for the College to predict what the board will do, but we are not anticipating a declaration of financial exigency tomorrow,” a college spokesperson told The Assembly on Wednesday.

Read the full story here.

— Matt Hartman

Thanks for reading The Thread, a 3x week newsletter written by Greensboro editor Joe Killian and reporters Sayaka Matsuoka and Gale Melcher. Reach us with tips or ideas at greensboro@theassemblync.com.

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The Weekender

Your Guide to Getting Out There This Weekend

April showers bring…more showers. It’s been raining quite a bit here in Greensboro these last few weeks. This weekend should offer some relief.  We’ve got a host of both indoor and outdoor picks for you this week.

FRIDAY, JUNE 6

First Friday Storytime @ Woven Works Park

10-10:30 a.m.

Every First Friday, the city of Greensboro hosts a free storytime for kids at Woven Works Park. Kids will enjoy listening to books, playing with the park’s sculptures, and musical performances by local librarians. On-street parking is available at 401 Cumberland Street. No registration required. Check Downtown Greenway’s Facebook for updates.

Green Queen Bingo 2025 @ Piedmont Hall

6 p.m.

Celebrate the start of summer and Pride month at a bingo session hosted by Guilford Green Foundation and LGBTQ+ Center. Every bingo event features special discounted tickets for teachers, students, military personnel, and government employees. This weekend, teachers will also receive a free dauber with admission. Tickets on sale now.

Celebration of Black Culture and Unity @ Lewis Recreation Center

6-8:30 p.m.

Join others in the community at Lewis Recreation Center for this celebration of Black culture featuring food, poetry, art, dance, music, games, trivia, and more. 

SATURDAY, JUNE 7

Mary Jane “MJ” Grant Workshop @ Sullivan Science Center at UNCG

9 a.m.-3 p.m.

This Saturday morning on UNCG’s campus, there will be a free workshop on navigating dementia in the deaf community. The event is open to everyone and will have ASL interpreters. The meeting is in the Sullivan Science Building’s first-floor auditorium. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Parking is complimentary in the parking deck on McIver Street. Learn more by emailing Linda Nelson at lknelson2@gmail.com.

Summer Wreath-Making Class @ Guilford Garden Center 

11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Join instructors with West & Co to make a summer wreath from an 18″ grapevine as a base. Attendees can choose different colors and themes for their own creation, from patriotic to lemon to hydrangeas. Tickets are $45, and registration is required as seats are limited.

Ssalefish “Back Alley” Sidewalk Sale! @ Ssalefish Comics in Greensboro

11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Visit Ssalefish Comics’ Greensboro location for a sidewalk sale this Saturday. More than 30 boxes of comics will be priced at just $1, plus additional boxes of premium back issues. Visit here for more info.

Pig Pounder’s 11th Anniversary Party @ Pig Pounder

12 p.m.

Starting at noon, Pig Pounder will celebrate its 11th birthday with live music and food trucks on site. There will also be free axe throwing, raffle prizes, games, and local vendors. 

Dunleath Porchfest @ Dunleath Historic District

11 a.m.-6 p.m.

It’s back! This year’s Dunleath Porchfest is back with dozens of local musicians, including folk, soul, hip hop, and more. The event, which has been going on for eight years, connects local homeowners with area musicians and allows them to use their porches as a stage. The whole neighborhood participates and the event draws hundreds each year. Learn more about location, parking, and what to bring on the Dunleath website here.

SUNDAY, JUNE 8

Beginner’s Photography Class @ Lindley Park neighborhood

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Have an eye for photography? Want to try? Join others as the Greensboro Photography Group breaks down how to use your camera and work your shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and other settings that affect the quality of your pictures. The class is $98, and registration is required. 

La Gozadera Pop-Up Latin Night @ Grapes and Grains Tavern

6-9 p.m.

Local salsa instructor Maria J. Gonzalez, who teaches free salsa classes in downtown Greensboro every week, will celebrate her birthday with a pop-up Latin dance night at Grapes and Grains Tavern this Sunday. Join others and dance the evening away to Latin rhythms, good drinks, and fun vibes. Cover charge is $10. Learn more here.

-Sayaka Matsuoka

Read this newsletter online or contact The Thread team with tips and feedback at greensboro@theassemblync.com.

Matt Hartman is a higher education reporter for The Assembly and co-anchor of our weekly higher education newsletter, The Quad. He was previously a longtime freelance journalist and spent nearly a decade working in higher ed communications before joining The Assembly in 2024.

Sayaka Matsuoka is a Greensboro-based reporter for The Assembly. She was formerly the managing editor for Triad City Beat, an alt-weekly based in Greensboro. She has reported for INDY Week, The Bitter Southerner, and Nerdist, and is the editorial/diversity chair for AAN Publishers.