The provost at Western Illinois University has presented a plan that would eliminate 24 university programs and review 17 others.
The McDonough County Voice reports Provost Ken Hawkinson said Friday that the belt-tightening is needed due to challenging financial times. The changes would take effect in the fall. Approval from the WIU Board of Trustees isn't required.
A review of WIU programs started in August. Eight of the programs to be eliminated have no students currently enrolled. The programs that will be under review must have a plan to increase enrollment. Other programs, like journalism and broadcasting, will be merged.
John Miller is an associate professor of communications and president of the WIU Chapter 4100 of the University Professionals of Illinois. He says he's worried that faculty members haven't been consulted.
