BILLINGS- MSU Billings administrators say proposed program cuts will allow the school to meet the needs of students and their potential employers.
The process started in November and on Thursday, the MSUB Academic Senate approved nearly three dozen program cuts.
That approval is the start of eliminating the 37 programs.
“We’re really excited about what we’re up to and really excited about the direction of MSUB,” said Dr. Melinda Arnold, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs.“This is really a realignment and it is an absolutely positive thing. If we can get those off the books and get other things on the books where we do have students, it allows us to reallocate our resources more efficiently and effectively.”
Department chairs, deans and faculty have helped with the Strategic Program Alignment.
Phase 2 will look at the next steps for programs labeled integrate/invigorate.
Universities nationwide and across Montana have been going through similar processes.
When the school reaches Phase 3, those involved will start to add new programs.
Arnold said the programs with no students can be eliminated as early as in the fall.
That’s also when the process will start for Phase 3 and adding programs.
