Office of the President

Update for Students: Academic Department Decisions for a Resilient PSU

Update for Students: Academic Department Decisions for a Resilient PSU

July 21, 2026

Dear PSU Students,

After careful consideration and collaboration with faculty, staff, deans and our faculty union, Portland State has reached a final plan for faculty reductions and program eliminations.

Students do not need to take any action now. Here is what you need to know:

  • Your credits count. Every credit you’ve completed, and every credit you take during the 2026-27 academic year, will count toward your degree.
  • You will stay on track to graduate. If faculty reductions in departments lead to changes in course offerings or degree plans, you will receive information and advising support to complete your degree.
  • You have support. Your undergraduate advisor or graduate program director can help you choose fall courses and stay on track.
  • You will hear from us before changes take effect. Updates will be shared as transition plans are developed for each affected department.

In May, as part of a broader plan to address the university’s $35 million budget deficit, I proposed 52 involuntary faculty layoffs in several academic departments. After reviewing feedback from our community — including students — and working with the faculty, staff and deans in affected areas, the final number has been reduced to 36 full-time positions plus three positions that will be reduced to part-time. Several departments were able to identify comparable and sustainable budget reductions in other areas, which included retirements and reducing hours for some faculty.

The Final Plan includes:

  • Elimination of the University Studies program
  • Elimination of the Conflict Resolution program
  • Faculty reductions in the following departments: Portland Center; Educator Licensure; Leadership, Learning, and Counseling; History; Philosophy; and World Languages and Literatures.

These changes will not happen immediately. The next academic year will be spent planning departmental transitions. Students who have declared their major or minor in Conflict Resolution will have support to complete their degrees. The current timeline anticipates moving students from University Studies to the new general education curriculum by fall 2028, with guidance shared well before any changes take effect.

For information about all of our efforts to strengthen PSU for the future, visit the Building a Resilient Future webpage. If you need support registering for fall courses or have questions about your path to graduation, please contact your undergraduate advisor or graduate program director.

I hope you have an enjoyable and restorative summer, and I look forward to welcoming you back to PSU this fall.

Sincerely,

Ann Cudd
PSU President