Albright College has eliminated seven majors and 14 minors, and adjusted other programs, as part of an ongoing effort to make the school sustainable.<\/p>\n
The Albright College Board of Trustees earlier this month approved the curricular changes with the intent of aligning academic offering with student demand, career opportunities and changing expectations across higher education.<\/p>\n
Albright officials declined to provide information on how many employees would lose their jobs due to the changes, but acknowledged there will be an impact on staff.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe board recognizes that these decisions affect people as well as programs,\u201d a statement from the colleges states. \u201cAlong with supporting students through degree completion, Albright will work directly with affected faculty and staff as the changes are implemented.\u201d<\/p>\n
The program cuts and changes come in the wake of the financially strained Albright being issued a warning that its accreditation could be in jeopardy if improvements aren\u2019t made over the next year.<\/p>\n
The Middle States Commission on Higher Education, an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit degree-granting institutions, issued a notification of noncompliance warning action in June.<\/p>\n
It is based on a self-study report submitted by Albright as well as an on-site evaluation done in March. The warning cites the Reading college\u2019s financial planning and budgeting process as well as documented financial resources, funding base and plans for financial development adequate to support the college\u2019s educational purposes and programs and to ensure financial stability as issues of concern.<\/p>\n
The commission asked Albright to provide a monitoring report by Feb. 16 that shows evidence the institution has achieved and can sustain ongoing compliance in those areas. A second visit will take place in March.<\/p>\n
Officials from Albright said the new cuts are part of the work to strengthen the college and focus resources on the student experience.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlbright has made meaningful progress, and we are continuing the work necessary to meet market demands,\u201d\u00a0 Dr. Debra Townsley, Albright president, said in a statement announcing the changes. \u201cThe board\u2019s decision advances that work while keeping students at the center. Our responsibility is to provide an education that families can afford, that focuses on career readiness and leads to meaningful lives as stated in our mission.\u201d<\/p>\n
The statement calls the cuts a realignment that includes phasing out select low-enrollment majors and program while retaining opportunities to study many of those subjects through other courses, majors and related fields.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese changes direct resources toward programs students are choosing and educational pathways that connect their interests with opportunities after graduation,\u201d the statement reads.<\/p>\n
The statement stresses that students already enrolled in impacted programs will be able to complete them and receive their degrees.<\/p>\n
The statement from Albright states that the cuts are part of the school\u2019s recognition that families increasingly want a clear connection between a college education and the ability to build a career, earn a sustainable living and advance professionally.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlbright\u2019s approach combines its liberal arts foundation \u2014 critical thinking, communication, creativity and problem-solving \u2014 with practical preparation for a changing workplace, including the ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence,\u201d it reads.<\/p>\n
The statement says affordability is central to that work.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlbright is committed to making a private college education accessible through competitive tuition and financial aid, helping families consider an Albright education alongside public university options,\u201d it states. \u201cResponsible management of the college\u2019s resources supports that commitment.\u201d<\/p>\n
The following majors are being eliminated:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Child and family studies.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Digital communications.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Digital studio art.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Family studies.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Public health.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Sustainable futures.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Visual communication design.<\/p>\n