It should be noted that next year, at a minimum, State colleges and universities are going to be cut a minimum of 8%. If they are smart, they will get rid of the racism, DEI and support for Hamas terrorist on campus and in the classroom. They will return to their core mission—education.
“Provost Leslie Cornick explained to Action News Now that the initiative aims to ensure Chico State’s long-term sustainability, focusing on adapting programs to the evolving academic and societal needs of students. While the restructuring may lead to some cost savings, Cornick emphasized that the decision isn’t primarily budget-driven.
“The goal is not to cut majors from the seven academic colleges, but rather to merge them,” said Cornick. She added that merging specific programs will help them thrive by preventing certain areas from being “buried” and also improving enrollment.
If they really do this, they will succeed. If this is just for show, it will become apparent. The good news is that the Trump Administration is going to cut back lots of grants and loans. Add that to the 8% in cuts already planned.
Chico State plans to consolidate seven colleges in “reimagining academic affairs initiative”
Sade Pullen, actionnewsnow, 3/3/25 https://www.actionnewsnow.com/news/chico-state-plans-to-consolidate-seven-colleges-in-reimagining-academic-affairs-initiative/article_59a7ea04-f885-11ef-8c7d-6bdcd19154ad.html
chico state may be downsizing – and while it could be a money saver, the leader of the “reimagining academic affairs initiative” says it isn’t budget driven.
CHICO, Calif. – Chico State University is embarking on a significant change to its academic structure through the “Reimagining Academic Affairs Initiative.”
The university plans to consolidate its seven academic colleges to align programs with the future needs of the institution, ensuring sustainability while continuing to serve its students effectively.
Why the Change?
Provost Leslie Cornick explained to Action News Now that the initiative aims to ensure Chico State’s long-term sustainability, focusing on adapting programs to the evolving academic and societal needs of students. While the restructuring may lead to some cost savings, Cornick emphasized that the decision isn’t primarily budget-driven.
“The goal is not to cut majors from the seven academic colleges, but rather to merge them,” said Cornick. She added that merging specific programs will help them thrive by preventing certain areas from being “buried” and also improving enrollment.
Key Restructuring Proposals
Cornick shared that the restructuring process began in the fall, when a special action team was formed to explore potential models. Among the options considered were reducing the seven colleges to five or four, or organizing the academic structure with five deans overseeing divisions instead of colleges.
Two primary proposals under consideration are:
- A college focused on Agriculture, Natural Sciences, and the Environment: This would combine two current colleges focused on environmental issues, providing faculty with an opportunity to collaborate more closely.
- A college centered around Health and Human Services: Currently, 15 programs in Health and Human Services are scattered across four different colleges. Consolidating these programs would streamline academic offerings and provide more focused resources.
In addition to program restructuring, Cornick mentioned the goal of balancing the workload for staff and creating more opportunities for professional development, cross-training and advancement.
Student Concerns
The potential restructuring has raised concerns among students, particularly those in programs that might be impacted by the consolidation. Owen Messer, a music major, expressed worries about the possibility of combining music and performing arts with science and humanities programs under the proposed STEAM model (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math).
He said, “To me, I don’t think that’s enough distinction for what it is. Right now, performing arts is its own entire program, and I think consolidation may be harmful to the people in that major.”
Cornick addressed these concerns, acknowledging the ongoing discussion about a STEAM program but emphasizing that nothing has been finalized yet. She assured students that their feedback would be carefully reviewed.
What’s Next?
The feedback period for the proposed restructuring models closed last week, but there will be additional opportunities for input. The next step involves the Vice Provost, deans, and associate deans reviewing the feedback, with more chances for the Chico State community to share their thoughts at an upcoming expo.
More information can be found here.
