Why is this happening?
The university is addressing an $18 million budget deficit and working to improve financial sustainability as directed by the Board of Trustees. One of many approaches the university is pursuing to align costs with revenue is a comprehensive review of our academic programs. Our goal is to realign academic offerings to provide students with the skills and experiences employers value, ensuring your education remains relevant and valuable long term and without compromising affordability.
How many programs are being altered or eliminated?
Right now that number is unknown. The goal is for the disruption to be minimal, with impacts limited to programs that are under-enrolled, financially unsustainable or do not match the needs of students and employers. To learn more about the data being used and the process that the colleges and schools are following to make decisions, visit the Financial Sustainability Updates webpage managed by Academic Affairs.
How will the university support students who are partway through a program that is being cut or changed?
When a degree program closes, a school or college will prepare a completion plan. This ensures that students already enrolled in a degree program or major can finish even if the program is being eliminated. Once program changes are finalized, the school or college will provide a clear pathway for completion. Students will work with advisors or program directors to complete their studies.
How will I graduate if my program changes or is cut?
If your program is affected, we will help you develop a completion plan. Advisors and faculty will guide you to ensure you meet your goals and complete your studies. Students currently enrolled in affected programs or majors will not be left without options. We will honor our commitment and provide the necessary resources and courses to ensure you can complete your studies.
What is the timeline for program changes?
Each program’s timeline will vary. Schools are developing plans for their students, with final announcements expected during the 2025 Winter term.
Who will communicate with me about these changes?
- Your school's designated representative (appointed by the dean)
- Your academic advisor (for undergraduate students)
- Your program director or advisor (for graduate students)
How are programs selected for cuts or changes?
Decisions are informed by data, including:
Enrollment and graduation rates
Employment outcomes for graduates
Demand from incoming students
Availability of similar programs in the region
Alignment with job market needs
Who is making these decisions?
Recommendations are developed collaboratively by deans, program chairs, and the provost, with final decisions made by the university president.
Where can I go with questions or concerns?
For concerns or feedback, reach out to:
Why are some faculty being let go?
No one has been let go. On October 15, non-tenure track faculty whose positions are being considered for termination received a preliminary alert that they may be impacted by reductions. These notices are part of the agreed-upon contractual process with the faculty union that PSU must follow. No workforce decisions have been made in response to Financial Sustainability planning.
Program adjustments are based on student demand and financial sustainability, therefore some layoffs are anticipated. While difficult, these changes aim to refine and prioritize programs that better serve student interests and future career prospects.
What is happening with student support services? Are they having to cut their budgets also?
Every unit of the university is being asked to contribute to the effort to close the $18 million deficit. All academic support units are analyzing our academic services to look for adjustments. These units include the Office of the Provost, Office of Academic Innovation, Office of Global Engagement and Innovation, Library, Student Affairs, and Student Success areas, including Advising, Career Services, the Learning Center, the Office of Student Success and the Registrar. Each service is being evaluated to ensure it is meeting students’ needs. The priority is to maintain consistent, reliable support for our students.
How will changes to my program affect my employability?
The sole purpose of making any alterations to programs or degrees is to improve student outcomes — to ensure that all students in these programs are receiving the skills, experiences and knowledge that employers want. The goal is to increase student employability by refining our academic offerings.
Will tuition or fees be impacted by these changes?
This is not known yet. The Board of Trustees gives guidance on tuition rates each spring.
What academic or career counseling will be available to help me transition if the program changes significantly?
If your program is being altered and you want to consider other options, academic advisors will help students explore opportunities and find that path that aligns best with their goals. This might include switching to a related field, adding a minor or certificate, or building skills for careers in growing industries. Our priority is to support you through this transition and help you stay on track for success in whatever direction you choose.
Why are the majority of budget cuts coming from academics and not administration?
All areas of the university are contributing to efforts to close the budget deficit. Given that the majority of the budget is in the Academic Affairs division, it presents the greatest opportunity for addressing the gap. Portland State’s primary budget challenge stems from declining enrollment, which directly impacts the need for academic personnel. In addition, the university’s plan to improve administrative efficiency includes academic units, as many administrative positions are housed within them.
If the university is experiencing a budget crisis, why is it spending money on new construction projects like the new art school and performing arts venue?
Because PSU is a public university, we have access to state bonds that fund construction projects. It is important to note that these bonds can only be used for this purpose — and cannot be used for general operating expenses. PSU plans construction projects that support the needs of current and future students such as students in STEM majors with the recently opened Vernier Science Center, future art, art history and design students with the new art building, and buildings to support performing arts and business programs that will be built alongside the city of Portland’s new performing arts venue.
What is the long-term vision for Portland State University, and how do these changes fit into that vision?
Portland State’s long-term vision is detailed in its strategic plan, Future in Focus. The first imperative of the strategic plan is to “Create clear pathways for our region’s learners to achieve their educational goals and provide a strong return on investment” — revitalizing our programs so that our students have clear pathways It is our intention that any changes we make will improve your academic journey, strengthen your skills, and help you accomplish your goals.