The University of Maine is moving forward with plans to eliminate a master's degree in teaching Spanish and suspend a bachelor's degree in medical laboratory sciences following a vote by the Faculty Senate. The decision, driven by persistently low student enrollment, comes as the university grapples with significant budget challenges and undertakes a broader review of its academic offerings.
These proposed changes are part of a larger trend within the University of Maine System, which has already seen 10 other programs cut or suspended over the past fiscal year. The final decision on the latest programs now rests with the university system's Board of Trustees, who are expected to review the proposals in May.
Key Takeaways
- The University of Maine Faculty Senate voted to eliminate the Master of Arts in Teaching Spanish.
- A bachelor's degree in medical laboratory sciences will be suspended for three years.
- Chronically low enrollment was cited as the primary reason for both program changes.
- The university is facing an $18 million budget shortfall for the upcoming fiscal year.
- These actions follow the recent elimination or suspension of 10 other degrees across the UMaine System.
Details on the Program Cuts
The University of Maine's Faculty Senate overwhelmingly passed resolutions to address two underperforming academic programs. The first resolution calls for the permanent elimination of the master's degree in teaching Spanish, which was noted as the only such graduate program in the entire state university system.
The second resolution approves a three-year suspension of the bachelor's degree in medical laboratory sciences. According to faculty representatives, this program has not been actively enrolling new students for several years. After the suspension period, the degree will be re-evaluated for potential permanent elimination.
A Multi-Step Approval Process
While the Faculty Senate's vote is a significant step, the changes are not yet final. The proposals must now be endorsed by the university provost and president before being reviewed by presidents of all campuses in the system. The final approval must come from the University of Maine System's chancellor and its Board of Trustees.
Rationale Behind the Decisions
University officials have been clear that the decisions were based on demand. Emily Haddad, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, described the choice to eliminate the Spanish master's program as difficult but necessary.
"It’s unfortunate for the reasons that were articulated at the senate meeting. But it’s also an appropriate decision based on the demand for the program."
Enrollment data supports this assessment. Over the past five years, the program has enrolled between zero and three students annually. Officials also noted a structural issue: the degree did not provide a direct pathway for graduates to become licensed to teach in K-12 schools, a typical feature of such programs.
Despite the master's program elimination, the study of Spanish at UMaine remains strong. Haddad confirmed that undergraduate Spanish programs, including the minor and major, have "very healthy" and "steady" enrollment, respectively.
Impact on Staff and Students
Mary Jean Sedlock, a faculty senate member, stated that the program changes will not result in the elimination of any faculty positions or the closure of any academic departments. The university system has a policy to ensure that students currently enrolled in a program that is being eliminated are provided with the necessary courses to complete their degrees.
Broader Financial and Strategic Context
These academic adjustments are occurring as the University of Maine confronts a projected $18 million budget shortfall for the next fiscal year. The university is in the midst of a strategic planning process aimed at aligning its resources with student demand and state needs.
In a recent communication, UMaine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy outlined a plan to close the budget gap. The strategy includes:
- Layoffs affecting "fewer than 10" staff members
- Savings from attrition (not filling vacant positions)
- A $2.3 million increase in state funding
- Use of grant, gift, and reserve funds
The proposed budget for the next academic year anticipates a 2.6% decrease in total credit hours taken by students. This reflects a careful recalibration of university resources in response to evolving academic trends.
A System-Wide Trend
The changes at the Orono campus are not isolated incidents. Over the last fiscal year, the University of Maine System Board of Trustees has approved 10 other program suspensions and eliminations across its campuses. These cuts have affected degrees in fields like cybersecurity, English, liberal arts, and French at the University of Maine in Augusta, the University of Maine at Fort Kent, and the University of Southern Maine.
Samantha Warren, a spokesperson for the university system, explained that such reviews are a standard part of academic governance. She noted that proposals to eliminate programs with insufficient demand are typically initiated by the faculty themselves.
Interestingly, these cuts are happening even as the system's overall enrollment figures show signs of stability. In the fall, the system reported an enrollment of 25,870 students, its highest number since 2021. However, individual program performance remains a key factor in strategic decision-making.
