Academic Programs

In the past two years, the Republican-controlled Legislature has weakened tenure, restricted pride flags at universities, overhauled gen ed at one university and pushed institutions to reallocate funding. Some faculty say their roles are being undermined.

Prospective students are increasingly skeptical that dropping out of the workforce for two years to earn the degree is worth it.

The university didn’t announce its decision in a news release and hasn’t fully explained it, but two deans blamed a new grad workers’ union contract for the cutbacks to a dozen programs including English, history and sociology.

The guidance, first issued in February 2023, was aimed at regulating online program managers—but higher ed groups warned of unintended consequences.

Another guide labeling higher education institutions has entered the arena. This one’s metrics include graduation rates, ROI … and DEI.

The university courted controversy by slashing programs and laying off both tenured and nontenured faculty members. More spooked professors are leaving in addition to those cuts, but so are key leaders who pushed them.

Research from Ad Astra finds eight-week courses can increase students’ annual credit completion. To build a short-term schedule, campus leaders should identify goals and make sure programs are aligned for ease of student experience.