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The University of Akron is eliminating about one-fifth of its academic degrees. The move is part of an Academic Program Review presented to the Board of Trustees Wednesday.
The 80 degrees or degree tracks being phased out affect 1000 of its 22,000 students. It includes a master’s in physics and a doctorate and master’s in sociology. Green said no faculty will be laid off as the degree tracks are eliminated.
The school is investing more in some degrees like computer science, dance, music, and cyber-security, as well as hiring 31 full-time faculty.
Universities commonly undergo academic program reviews to eliminate programs or degrees that are not attracting many students. Changes at Akron come after several years of belt tightening that led to two presidents leaving office. President John Green is currently serving on an interim basis as the school looks to hire a new leader.
The Board of Trustees was also told that the school dipped into its reserves for $4.5 million to finish its budget year, far less than the $29 million expected. The university saw a 74 percent increase in gifts for the past school year.
The board asked for a report on a possible academic reorganization by December.
Degree Tracks That Were Eliminated
A few tracks to be phased out with review comments:
Arts & Sciences
| Family and Consumer Sciences - Teacher Education - BA
| Very low enrollment and number of degrees
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Arts & Sciences
| Fashion Merchandising - Apparel - BA
| Low enrollment throughout program; KSU has far larger Fashion Design and Merchandising program -- nearly 2,000 students; significant investment would be required to compete effectively
|
Arts & Sciences
| Fashion Merchandising - Business/Fashion - BA
| Low enrollment throughout program; KSU has far larger Fashion Design and Merchandising program -- nearly 2,000 students; significant investment would be required to compete effectively
|
Arts & Sciences
| Fashion Merchandising - Fiber Arts - BA
| Low enrollment throughout program; KSU has far larger Fashion Design and Merchandising program -- nearly 2,000 students; significant investment would be required to compete effectively
|
Arts & Sciences
| Fashion Merchandising - Home Furnishing - BA
| Low enrollment throughout program; KSU has far larger Fashion Design and Merchandising program -- nearly 2,000 students; significant investment would be required to compete effectively
|
Arts & Sciences
| French - BA
| Very low enrollment and number of degrees; maintain minor. We will continue to offer courses in French so that students in other programs can meet degree requirements.
|
Arts & Sciences
| French & Francophone Studies - BA
| Very low enrollment and number of degrees
|
Arts & Sciences
| Geography - Geographic Information Sciences - BS
| Low enrollment and very few degrees; faculty evaluators note ‘very problematic’ competition. Faculty evaluators expressed concerns about recruitment plans
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