UNCA Chancellor Plans to Cut Academic Programs Due to Financial Crisis
The University of North Carolina Asheville (UNCA) is in a serious financial crisis. Because of this, Chancellor Kimberly van Noort proposes to cut four academic programs and shrink another. This plan is aimed at solving the $6 million deficit following a 25% fall in enrollment over the last five years.
Aims for Program Removals
On June 13, Chancellor van Noort announced that UNCA will gradually remove these departments:
- Ancient Mediterranean Studies
- Drama
- Philosophy
- Religious Studies
The plan also suggests cutting down the Languages and Literature department by removing specializations in French and German. This decision came from an academic portfolio review hoping to fix immediate financial issues and make strategic investments for future security.
Effects on Students and Faculty
The proposal guarantees all currently enrolled students can finish their declared majors. Chancellor van Noort promises faculty members affected by these changes will have ample warning about changes to their jobs and assistance from the university in finding new opportunities. In the academic years ranging from 2020 to 2023, around 25 students graduate each year from these endangered programs. During those same years, annually UNCA graduated an average of 763 students which means that about 3% of total graduates were from these programs.
Fiscal and Enrollment Hurdles
The UNC System Board of Governors will consider this proposal at the July 25th meeting. Revealed on May 1st, the academic portfolio review highlights UNCA’s financial hardships caused by:
- An enrollment drop of 25% over five years
- Rising operating expenses
- Lower funds from the UNC system
Van Noort underlines the need for strategic planning to improve UNCA’s program offerings, competitive stand, and sustainability. She believes they must make tough choices now for the benefit of future students.
Faculty and Student Reactions
Rodger Payne, Professor of Religious Studies, shares his displeasure with this decision on Facebook. His post alleges that this decision was made two years ago when the Board Of Governors took control over the university intending to phase out Liberal Arts. Sociology professor Volker Frank speaks about the confusion and worry among faculty members concerning their future. He states that specific outcomes for tenured professors and affected departments remain uncertain. Student government leaders Liv Barefoot (President) and Alondra Barrera Hernandez (Vice President) expressed disappointment at not being included in talks regarding these changes. They assert that they were promised transparency which was not fulfilled.
Affect on Community
The Humanities coordinator Leslee Johnson points out how important these programs are to liberal arts and UNCA’s culture. According to him, they significantly contribute to community engagement by enhancing understanding among people. Sophie Mills, a professor of Ancient Mediterranean Studies, notes her sorrow especially for younger staff members who don’t deserve such an unexpected setback.
Administrative Choices and Future Aims
As per academic review suggestion First Tryon Advisors (Charlotte-based) recommended an analysis of 14 academic majors for possible reductions or total removals. The faculty objected claiming it unfairly targets departments with higher salaries or professors on sabbaticals. The Chancellor said regular reviews will be held every few years to ensure fiscal stability. This is a growing trend among schools to scrutinize less populated departments as a way to balance the budget.
Wrap up
The proposal to terminate four programs and scale back another at UNCA is a drastic reaction to its money problems. Although it’s designed to deal with a sizable deficit, it creates worries among faculty, students and the wider community regarding UNCA’s commitment to Liberal Arts in the future. The UNCA website provides more details about this plan and what it might mean. In these tough times, stakeholders are optimistic for a solution that will maintain the credibility of the academic mission at UNCA.