Restructuring Q&A

What schools/programs are impacted?  

The following programs will be closed at the conclusion of the 2023-2024 academic year: Chemistry, Cultural Studies, Ecology, Engineering Physics, English, History, History Education, Liberal Studies, Physics, Politics and Law, and Political Science; along with Master of Education. In addition, the following two concentrations will be closed: Art Therapy and Philosophy. 

How many faculty positions are being eliminated?  

We will be eliminating 28 faculty positions: 3 of those positions are currently open and will not be filled, and 8 are positions where either the current incumbent has already announced an intended retirement or departure or the position was temporary. Of the remaining 17 positions, 9 are tenured positions, and 8 are non-tenured positions.  

How many students are in each of the programs being closed? 

These program changes will impact 15 undergraduate students heading into the 2024-25 academic year, and we will work with each of them directly to ensure their academic path continues uninterrupted. 

What is the timeline for these changes? 

Departing faculty will remain under contract until the conclusion of the 2023-2024 academic year. Program closures are effective immediately, but students currently in affected programs will have a path to complete their degrees. 

Does this affect my degree? 

The university will work with the 15 undergraduate students in the closed degree programs individually to help them determine their path. For the rest of the student body, there is no impact on their degree.  

What does program closure mean for current undergraduate students?  

The university will work with the 15 undergraduate students in the closed degree programs individually to help them determine their path. 

What happens to the classes I need to graduate in a degree that has been closed? 

All students will be supported to complete degrees in the current academic catalog regardless of any future changes to academic programs.  

I have heard the word teach-out, what does this mean?  

A teach-out means the university will provide current students with the opportunity to complete their course of study even though that course of study is no longer accepting new students. 

What does this mean for prospective students? 

It means that prospective students will be entering a financially stronger and much more focused university than exists today. That will equate to a high-quality education in the 41 undergraduate majors and 11 graduate programs offered, and a dedicated and focused faculty ready to help them achieve their goals and emerge prepared for the future.   

How can I be assured as a student that there will be qualified faculty in my area of degree through completion of my degree? 

Our accrediting body, SACSCOC, requires that programs have qualified faculty.  

How does all of this impact tuition and housing costs for students? 

There is no impact on tuition or housing costs 

What would you say to prospective students that assures them that attending this university is a wise decision after witnessing the financial difficulties and resulting cutbacks?  

CBU, after the changes that have taken place over the last several months, emerges financially stronger and much more focused. That will equate to a high-quality education in the 41 undergraduate majors and 11 graduate programs offered, and a dedicated and focused faculty ready to help them achieve their goals and emerge prepared for the future.  

What does this mean for alumni? 

This does not impact alumni or their degrees. 

Does this affect graduation? 

It does not affect graduation. 

Are any non-academic programs impacted by these changes? 

These changes follow previously announced reductions to staff and administrative positions, including three vice president positions and a streamlining of the organization overall. 

Is this the end of the changes and cuts, or should we anticipate more? 

We will continue working to be as efficient as possible as a University. 

Even though there will be no major offered in some subjects considered part of a core university education, such as English and History, will there still be classes offered by qualified professors in those subjects?  

Yes.  There will be qualified professors in these areas.