Announcement: Results of Second Round of Appeals Revealed by WVU

Last Updated on September 2, 2023 by Robert C. Hoopes

West Virginia University’s Office of the Provost has unveiled the long-awaited final recommendations for the second round of appeals in their “Academic Transformation” program portfolio review process. These recommendations include significant changes across various departments and schools within the university.

One of the departments affected is the Department of Chemistry, which will be implementing an occupational-focused pathway for students. Additionally, faculty positions within the department will be reduced to 23. This decision has been made in an effort to streamline resources and enhance the educational experience for students pursuing chemistry-related careers.

Similarly, the Division of Plant and Soil Sciences will also experience a reduction in faculty positions. With their positions being cut down to 11, the division will also implement cost-reduction measures to ensure sustainability in the long run.

Meanwhile, the School of Theatre and Dance will retain its MFA Acting program but will see a decrease in faculty positions, leaving them with 17 faculty members. It is hoped that this move will enable the school to maintain its high standards and provide students with exceptional theater and dance education.

The School of Art and Design has decided to continue offering the BA in Art History, but with a renewed focus on art history and museum studies. The school will maintain its current number of 16 faculty positions, ensuring students receive comprehensive instruction and guidance in these fields.

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering has opted to reduce the required credit hours from 128 to 123, aiming to provide students with a slightly lighter course load. In addition, faculty positions within the department will be reduced to 14.

The College of Law is set to revise its curriculum by eliminating inefficient requirements and reducing the number of required credits from 92 to 86. Faculty positions will also be reduced to 24, streamlining the college’s resources while maintaining the quality of legal education.

The School of Mathematical and Data Sciences will undergo significant changes as well. Faculty positions within the department will be reduced to 32, and the current PhD or MS Mathematics programs will be discontinued. These changes reflect the evolving demands in the fields of mathematics and data sciences.

The final recommendations will be presented to WVU’s Board of Governors for approval on September 15. Prior to that, the public will have the opportunity to provide comments on the recommendations during a session held on September 14. This inclusive approach ensures that all stakeholders have a chance to voice their opinions before any final decisions are made.

As additional appeals are heard, the university will announce further final recommendations. The Office of the Provost remains committed to addressing the evolving needs of the academic community and ensuring that all programs and departments are aligned with the university’s mission and goals.