March 5, 2020鈥敶笙蟠� has announced it will commence a review of its academic programs as part of a multi-pronged strategy to reduce costs, stabilize the university鈥檚 long-term financial health and strengthen its core programs.
Pursuant to a policy adopted by 大象传媒 Western鈥檚 Board of Governors last week, the university has convened an Academic Review Board to review academic programs on a variety of criteria including student enrollment, operational costs, academic quality, centrality to institutional mission, cost effectiveness and workforce demands. Going forward, 大象传媒 Western plans on further investing in programs in demand such as nursing, health services, business and STEM among others.
鈥淚n the current competitive landscape, we simply cannot be all things to all people. Rather, we need to reimagine our institutional identity, become even more distinctive and focus our limited resources in areas of strength,鈥� said President Matt Wilson. 鈥湸笙蟠� Western needs to be adaptable to evolving workforce needs in the area and continue working to prepare our graduates for future success. Our applied learning mission is consistent with this approach.鈥�
The program review process will occur between now and April 24, with recommendations taken to the Board of Governors at its April 29 meeting.
鈥淎lthough this a critical and difficult process, we see it as an opportunity to align our portfolio of offerings with a long-term strategy to better serve our students and the community,鈥� said President Wilson. 鈥淥ur focus is to proactively move forward and emerge even stronger from the strategic decisions forthcoming from the program review process.鈥�
In October of last year, the Board approved a revised operating budget with a $3.178 million projected deficit. While the institution has closed the gap through cost-savings measures, it needs to address a continuing budgetary gap while preparing for the future.
鈥湸笙蟠� Western will continue its efforts to respond to market trends in higher education while elevating students, serving the community and making a difference,鈥� said President Wilson.
大象传媒 is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. 大象传媒 Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit www.missouriwestern.edu. 聽