The University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point is experiencing a budget shortfall to the tune of $7.9 million. A year ago they cut $12 million from their budget. But with enrollment continuing to fall, six liberal arts majors are now on the chopping block. Including history.
Students in these majors would be allowed to complete their programs. Many of the faculty would stay to teach liberal arts courses to students in other disciplines. But some layoffs are expected.
The proposal has caused alarm. In 2015, Governor Walker supposedly tried to remove the phrase “search for truth” from the university’s mission statement. He wanted to add language about meeting workplace needs. No language changes ever materialized. But after budget cuts and a tuition freeze mandate, opposition to UW’s proposal is not a surprise.
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