UW finalizes Academic Restructuring Proposal to present to trustees

A major reorganization of the University of Wyoming’s academic programs would proceed, although implementation of some significant components would be delayed by a year, under a proposal scheduled to be presented to the UW Board of Trustees Nov. 17-19.

UW reports the proposal, which follows months of development informed by thorough review and feedback from internal and external stakeholders, aims to position the university for a vibrant future at a time of uncertain state revenues, economic shifts and a changing higher-education landscape.

Specifically, the proposal going before the trustees would, effective July 1, 2022, reorganize the College of Education; move and/or consolidate several academic departments; and eliminate four low-enrollment graduate degree programs.

Additional academic reconfigurations — including movement of several academic departments from the current College of Arts and Sciences, and restructuring and renaming of the current College of Engineering and Applied Science and College of Agriculture and Natural Resources — wouldn’t be implemented until July 1, 2023, pending further refinement.

Provost and Executive Vice President Kevin Carman said that after careful consideration of the feedback that they have received from faculty, students, staff and stakeholders, he believes additional time is needed for consideration of how best to implement the major reorganization of the colleges of Arts and Sciences, Agriculture and Natural Resources, and Engineering and Applied Science.

The full proposal to the Board of Trustees, along with other information, will be available here. 

Comments will continue to be accepted until the Nov. 17-19, board meeting.