University in Virginia cuts 17 programs, eliminates 40 staff member positions
LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) — The University of Lynchburg announced Thursday it is taking dramatic steps at the school as they enter a new era.
But for some prospective students and current staff, those changes could be detrimental; 17 programs at the school are being cut, and 40 staff members' positions have been "reduced." During the next three years, the school said another 40 faculty members will be headed out the door for good as well.
The new changes at the school are coming after what the university said were months of in-depth analysis and review. A transformation is needed, the school said, to best meet the needs of students and optimize their resources.
The school said they're not alone among the nation's colleges and universities, as other schools are facing similar challenges brought about by fewer college-aged students, the FAFSA crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic's lingering effects.
Due to these and other factors, Lynchburg is closing 12 undergraduate programs and 5 graduate programs, impacting a total 4.5% of students," University of Lynchburg said in a news release. "Currently 70% of undergraduate students are studying in eight majors, and 95% of students are in 21. The university offers 51 majors."Students who are already enrolled in the programs will be able to complete their degrees, as all the programs facing closure will continue to be taught over the next three or four years, the school said.
Another change will reduce the nine current vice presidents to five as areas within the university are merged.
But the vice presidents are only a fraction of those at the school who are facing role elimination at the university.
The program closures and structural changes, however, mean the immediate reduction of less than 10% of university staff (about 40 positions) and the realignment, over the next three years, of another 40 faculty positions," University of Lynchburg said.The University of Lynchburg said their faculty will not see much of an immediate impact and that many of the future job reductions will be managed through avenues such as retirements or reassignments. Staffing areas, though, are immediate. The school said the affected people will "receive severance, career support, health insurance, and counseling to make their transition as smooth as possible."
University of Lynchburg President Dr. Alison Morrison-Shetlar said she values the contributions of faculty and staff who have contributed to the school. In a video released Thursday morning she offered a direct message to them.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you," Morrison-Shetlar said. "I want to thank each and every one of you for all you have given to make this institution a home for the tens of thousands who proudly call themselves a Hornet."The university listed on their Facebook page the programs that are being cut.
Majors:
- Business Studies (Access)
- Community and Nonprofit Leadership (Access)
- Diversity Strategies (Access)
- Management
- Music
- Music Education
- Physics
- Religious Studies
- Spanish
- Spanish Education
- Special Education
- Theatre
Grad programs:
- MBA Cybersecurity
- MEd Higher Ed Leadership
- MEd PK-12 Ed Leadership
- MEd Science Education
- MEd Reading
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