February 12, 2021
In response to budgetary constraints and loss of program enrollment, Mayville State University will be reallocating resources through the non-renewal of three faculty appointments. The affected faculty are under contract and will continue to teach courses for the remainder of their contract period which ends May 15, 2021.
“We have been working with academic divisions over the past few years to evaluate and determine how we might best allocate faculty time in programs that have experienced continued decline in enrollment,” said Dr. Tami Such, Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs at Mayville State University. “In the ever-changing and extremely competitive world of higher education, we must devote our resources to programs that are in demand and that best serve the workforce needs and the students’ career goals.”
“This has been an extremely difficult decision,” said Dr. Brian Van Horn, Mayville State University President. “Cutting positions is our only option at this time. We are sincerely empathetic for the individuals and families who are directly impacted, and for all who may be indirectly impacted.”
Over the last couple of years, university administrators have been in communication with faculty and staff regarding the tight budgetary constraints the university is working within, as well as the need to become more efficient as the university transforms and grows. Administrators have worked closely with academic divisions to evaluate the academic offerings with the goal of identifying efficiencies. Offering programs that are in demand and delivering courses in ways that are flexible and convenient in order to meet the needs of today’s students are paramount.
In addition to the non-renewal of faculty contracts, current measures being taken to address budgetary and loss of program enrollment concerns include having tasked several faculty members, staff, and administrators with additional responsibilities that help with providing a more equitable distribution of duties.