Tyler Salanitro
tjs007@marietta.edu
In an attempt to secure financial stability and chart a thriving future, Marietta College has unveiled a comprehensive academic restructuring plan. On Monday, the plan was presented to faculty and staff, outlining the phased discontinuation of ten academic programs over the next few years, following approval by the Curriculum Committee.
The strategic move, backed by the college President Margaret Drugovich, aims to refine the institution’s academic portfolio while maintaining its identity as a modern liberal arts institution. The reallocated resources will enable investment in existing programs and the development of new ones aligning with evolving student needs and workforce demands.
The plan draws upon extensive research and the insights of last year’s Academic Program Evaluation Task Force, composed of faculty from diverse disciplines. Their data-driven analysis laid the groundwork for a systematic approach to program evaluation.
The identified programs for discontinuation include Asian Studies, Athletic Training (master’s), Environmental Engineering, ESL & Linguistics, Global Leadership, Land & Energy Management, Music Education, Music Therapy, Spanish, and Vocal Performance. Students and faculty affected by these changes have received individual notifications.
Throughout this transition, the college remains committed to compassionate support for faculty and students, ensuring affected students can still complete their degrees. Only a minimal 1.9% of students will be unable to pursue their declared major due to these program reductions.
It’s important to note that the decision to discontinue these programs is not a reflection of their intrinsic value or the dedication of faculty and graduates. Rather, it is a strategic response to low student demand, enrollment, and degree completion rates. The plan now awaits formal approval by the Board in October, marking a pivotal step toward Marietta College’s financial stability and future growth.
