Valparaiso University President José Padilla announced in a campus message Monday which of the university’s academic programs are being cut, which are being “reimagined,” and which ones will be re-evaluated in three years.
Students in the programs slated to be cut will be able to finish their degrees, though no new students will be admitted to those programs, according to the announcement, made at 1 p.m. and provided to the Post-Tribune.
The exact number of faculty cuts was not specified. Valparaiso University eliminated 14 staff positions on June 20 as part of a restructuring effort, including Jonathan Canning, director of the Brauer Museum of Art.
“Not all program changes or eliminations may result in faculty reductions. However, regrettably, we do expect a modest reduction in faculty positions in certain departments once the discontinuation process and any required teach-out are finalized,” Padilla said. “A teach-out is a multi-year process projected to conclude by the end of the 2026-2027 academic year.”
The university announced in early March which programs were being considered for cuts, depending on enrollment, and department heads were allowed to fight for the majors that were under consideration.
Valparaiso University president Jose Padilla speaks during the “Engage Indiana” event at Valparaiso University on Tuesday, April 25, 2023. (Kyle Telechan for the Post-Tribune)
The programs being retained and evaluated in three years include astronomy major and minor; bachelor of music therapy and music therapy certificate; Spanish major; supply chain and logistics management minor; and public health major and minor.
Padilla said the Lutheran-founded university’s theology major and minor “underwent deliberation and will continue, but will be reimagined.”
Over the next year, the faculty and the provost’s office will develop a new major and required courses in the field of religion.
“Throughout this reimagining process and moving forward, theology will remain a mandatory component for all students through our general education curriculum, as it is an integral part of our University’s educational framework and identity,” Padilla said.
Multiple undergraduate and graduate programs are being discontinued, including the German major; the philosophy major and minor; the global studies major; the bachelor of music degree; a handful of international business and international relations majors; and master’s degree programs including cyber security, elementary education and English studies and communication.
“Approximately 98% of our campus population will not be impacted,” Padilla said. “Those currently enrolled in discontinued or reimagined programs will complete their degrees as originally planned and without interruption, as these changes will only apply to incoming students.”
alavalley@chicagotribune.com
