Dear Wright State Community,
I am writing to you today with important information about Wright State University’s curricular portfolio.
At the charge of the Board of Trustees last June, Wright State University initiated a thorough, university-wide review of the effectiveness and efficiency of its academic programs. This type of assessment is a routine component of healthy and thriving organizations. The University will now incorporate this review process into our standard practices for continuous improvement on a recurring basis.
Dozens of faculty, staff, and administrators participated in this prioritization process and provided hundreds of comments and suggestions. I want to thank the members of the Academic Efficiency and Effectiveness Review Committee and everyone who provided feedback in this campus-wide process.
After careful consideration, Wright State will deactivate and immediately suspend admissions for 34 curricular programs. It should be noted that 22 of these programs were already being deactivated by the departments and colleges in which they were housed as a routine process. A listing of these programs is available on the Academic Efficiency and Effectiveness website.
While this decision was not taken lightly, it is necessary to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of the University.
Students currently enrolled in the 34 impacted programs can complete their degree without disruption. In the next week, they will receive individualized plans to ensure they can complete their intended degree programs over the next four years.
Wright State is committed to providing a high-quality education and supporting its students in their academic journeys. By reducing low-demand programs, the Academic Efficiency and Effectiveness Review process allows Wright State to redirect its efforts to improve, maintain, and expand programs that have shown significant demand and relevance in today's job market.
Programmatic plans and procedures for the academic programs identified for enhancement, maintenance, and improvement by the Academic Efficiency and Effectiveness Executive Committee will be provided before the end of the semester.
We understand change can be challenging and sometimes disappointing. As with most industries, higher education faces a constantly changing landscape, and, as it has done for nearly 60 years, Wright State University must evolve and continue to adapt its academic portfolio to meet the needs of its learners and the region’s employers.
These changes present opportunities for innovation and reinvigoration of our collective work and commitment to empowering our students to excel in their lives and chosen careers.
Thank you for your commitment to Wright State,
Amy Thompson, Ph.D.
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
