Western Oregon University considering removing a number of degree programs

Posted March 7, 2022

By Huda Aden

Staff Reporter

With enrollments in classes like Anthology, Philosophy, and Geography declining, Western Oregon University is considering removing a number of degree programs.

Enrollment in the three programs has been declining in recent years, and the Coronavirus has exacerbated the problem. According to WOU, the program cuts, as well as the removal of numerous minor and certificate programs, will result in the layoff or expiration of roughly 30 full time faculty positions. Until deens and division heads make their selections, the full breakdown of how tenure-track, tenured, and untenured professors will not be known.

Between 2011-2020, the regional university’s enrollment dropped more than 25%.

“Quite frankly, our options for achieving a balanced budget are limited, given that more than 85% of our expenses are salary and benefits,” WOU president Rex Fuller stated in a letter to the campus community, as reported by OPB. “With limited options for tuition increases, declining enrollment, and likely cuts to state funding, we must act decisively to aligon our budget with our fiscal reality.”

According to the state Higher Education Coordinating Commission, WOU has the fewest enrolled students amongst Oregon public colleges, aside from Eastern Oregon University, which has 2,853 students. EOU's main campus is in La Grande, which is less densely populated than WOU’s main campus in Monmouth, southwest of Salem, further away from major populated areas.

Academic advisors will work with students in affected programs to find methods to complete their degrees and graduate.

“The WOUFT Executive Council recognizes that WOU faces significant financial challenges,” OPB reported the WOU faculty union wrote to Fuller. “However, we strongly object to the proposed elimination of majors and upper-division course offerings that unnecessarily limits students' learning and career pathways."