The Right Mix of Academic Programs

Making decisions to add, cut, grow, or shrink departments and degrees Mounting financial pressures and increased competition for students are pushing more colleges to re-evaluate their academic programs. The sometimes sprawling number of programs may not serve the mission, match demand, or make financial sense. But before proposing — or even considering — changes to the academic lineup, campus leaders need to take stock. A strategic review should gauge each program’s importance to the institution, measure student interest, and outcomes, and fully account for revenues and expenses. This Chronicle issue brief explains how to approach a program audit or prioritization process and where to go from there. Collaboration between the administration and the faculty is key, as is balancing business and academic mind-sets. This brief explores how to cut, adapt, and expand programs, as well as optimize course scheduling. Campus leaders who adjust their mix of offerings can shore up finances while