Cutting programs and laying off staff is one of the hardest parts of a community college president's job. Not only is it emotional for everyone involved, but the political fallout can be damaging as well. How campus leaders arrive at the difficult choice to cut staff and programs, and how they communicate their decision to stakeholders, can make a big difference in how well the news is received, those who have gone through the experience say. While the process is never easy, community college leaders can soften the blow by having a good reason for their decision, being open and honest with stakeholders, and not hiding from criticism.