The fate of four HSU programs rest in the administration’s hands now.
Provost Robert Snyder will most likely announce his decision for program elimination early next week, said University Spokesman Paul Mann.
The Academic Senate released their official rationale to Snyder last week. They recommended eliminating nursing, computer information systems, the MA in film and the MFA in theater arts.
The rationale lists the senate’s reasons for why each program should be eliminated.
At the April 13 Academic Senate meeting, Snyder expressed doubt about the senate’s rationale for nursing. “Some reasons [in the rationale] just aren’t true,” he said.
The rationale includes eight reasons why Snyder should eliminate nursing. For instance, it says eliminating nursing will save the majority of the $1.3 million needed to bridge the budget gap. Also, the program has faced constant struggles in recruiting and retaining faculty.
Snyder questioned the senate’s reasoning. “[Nursing] is a workforce priority for the state. Walk out the door, get a job,” Snyder said. “With philosophy, you can’t do that.”
Snyder said he met with the state nursing board, which had concerns about the elimination of nursing as well.
The rationale for the graduate programs in theater and film includes both reasons for and against elimination, because the senate’s April 6 vote was so close (13-12).
If Snyder isn’t convinced by the senate’s rationale, he won’t use it in his decision. “If I don’t agree, I won’t go along with you,” he said at the April 6 meeting.
The elimination and prioritization process has spanned over a year. Senate chair Saeed Mortazavi said at the April 13 meeting, “This is a frustrating exercise.”
Senator Michael Goodman agreed. “I’m about done.”
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