FARGO (KFGO) – North Dakota State University President David Cook said his team is looking for suggestions from the community on how to move forward in transforming the academic side of the university in the wake of last month’s announcement of a $10.5 million shortfall in the next biennium.
Some tough decisions will need to be made, according to Cook, but he hopes in the end it will lead to a stronger university.
Cutting or merging some majors or possibly adding majors as they look at workforce needs across the state will likely be included in the decisions.
“Taking a look at things that maybe don’t make sense, either they shut down or they merge,” Cook said. “We also need to look at new programs. How has the state moved or changed from a workforce need, and how can we set up new programs that align with not only where we’re at, but where we’re going?”
NDSU currently has seven colleges. Cook said nothing is off the table and the idea is to put those seven colleges into four or five.
“What this will do is help us transform working forward which will be really critical, but also to create administrative efficiencies which I also think we’re in need of,” Cook said. “So, we’re pretty excited about this step, but it’s the first step in a really tough journey over the next couple months, but I think it’s going to set us up for a lot of success moving forward.”
In a campus-wide email, Interim Provost David Bertolini said the transformation will be disruptive, but will strengthen NDSU with increased student success and better research and creative activities.
Cook said they plan to gather feedback for the next few weeks and roll out their plan in January.
