In an effort to provide students with an exceptional professional preparation and to maximize enrollment in prospective students, MacMurray College will phase out a number of programs of study and is actively assessing the viability of new, market-aligned programs of study.
At its October meeting last week, the College’s Board of Trustees approved the changes to support the growth and health of MacMurray College. The decisions were based on results from an academic task force of faculty, facilitated by Provost James Maxwell and including several trustees. The task force began in the summer, looking at the sustainability of all programs of study on campus.
Students currently enrolled in the affected programs listed below will have the opportunity to complete their degrees, and no new students will be admitted to these programs.
Current full-time faculty are expected to be retained; no layoffs are planned. The College’s commitment continues to a strong, general education that develops students’ critical thinking and effective communication skills, a foundation characterized by ethical, global, and diverse perspectives.
“MacMurray College’s commitment is vibrant and unyielding to equipping our students with a 21st century education, with knowledge, skills, and preparation for effective living and for professional placement and success,” said President Colleen Hester.
In all, 10 programs that have low enrollment, low interest among prospective students, and lower marketplace demands will be eliminated: Chemistry minor; Educational Studies, Elementary Education, English, History, Liberal Studies, Music minor, Philosophy/Religion, Physical Education, and Spanish.
The College is actively evaluating the addition of new majors with strong market alignment related to both prospective student interest and with strong, projected, professional workforce needs in the region. New programs will be announced soon, require further approvals, and are expected to be offered by fall 2015.
MacMurray’s continued commitment to an exceptional general education and to professional preparation is reflected in our continuously-enhanced general education program and in our retained academic programs in Accounting, Art, Biology, Business, Criminal Justice, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education, Homeland Security, Interpreter Training/American Sign Language, Nursing, Psychology, Social Work, Special Education, and Sport Management.