Cuts, classes and careers: Educational challenges students will face

As many students have become aware that The University of St. Francis (USF) has made a series of budget cuts including faculty positions as well as undergraduate programs and departments. While this process has been deemed an academic reorganization, according to the Saints United section on the University’s website, it raises serious questions as to how this process will affect students and their career choices, current and future. During the Student Government Association (SGA) general meeting held on Oct. 22,  moderated by Cedricka Carver and Michael Poradek, key details regarding how faculty reductions will impact students were revealed. The main areas addressed within this open meeting pertain closely to available undergraduate options, curriculum and course locations.

One of the most pivotal takeaways from this meeting was that instead of significant faculty reductions, certain majors will no longer be offered to future students after the completion of the existing declared students. Indicating that while students currently declared may be part of a program that will be cut, those same declared students will be able to graduate with their chosen degree. They will then be the last cohort to complete this degree path at USF, ceasing any future enrollment into the respective program. However, it should be noted that if a student would like to change their major, they are advised to do so with caution, as they may not be able to enroll or re-enroll in certain degree paths after the implementation of the teach-out programs. On the other hand, degree paths that are unaffected will continue as such; however, there may be a noticeable change in the ratio between students and faculty.

Furthermore, with a lack of instructors, concern was raised as to what would become of the specifically tailored curriculum that students wish to graduate with. This concern was met with reassurance as it was stated that faculty will be found to conduct promised coursework. Such a feat will be accomplished through a system denoted as teach-outs, where students will receive instruction from sources other than USF. Moreover, it was also suggested that students speak with their academic advisors to rearrange their schedules to ensure that specific courses are taught by the remaining faculty.

However, besides course schedules, students are also advised to reach out to academic advisors and course instructors regarding lecture location. At the above-mentioned SGA meeting, it was stated that lectures conducted at the Rialto would be shifting to the Main Campus by the next semester, in addition to the Finite Math course that was moved to the Main Campus from the St. Clare Campus. These changes may or may not affect all students, so it is important to speak with your academic advisors and course instructors to properly adjust to these educational changes as needed.

More specific details are yet to come regarding which departments and programs that will be condensed. In the meantime, students should be in contact with their academic advisors for guidance on their next steps. To stay up to date and active in this process, students can attend the SGA general meetings held on alternating Wednesdays, or review the University of St. Francis website under the section Saints United.