Buffalo State University announces cuts to programs
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BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Buffalo State University announced Thursday that it is cutting 19 programs and the equivalent of 63 full-time staff members in its continued effort to balance its budget.
The cuts come as the university says its deficit is projected to be between $15.5 million and $17.5 million as it nears the end of its fiscal year. Interim president Bonita R. Durand said in a press release that the university is on track to balance its budget by 2027-28.
“I am incredibly proud of the progress we are making as a community to strengthen Buffalo State’s education mission and ensure students have the supports they need to achieve a degree that will serve them well throughout their lives,” Durand said. “I remain confident in our ability -- with the support of SUNY, elected leaders and community partners -- to take the necessary steps that will maintain our university’s position as a leader in higher education.”
The following programs will be cut at the university:
- Art and Design -- Concentrations in Fibers, Wood/Furniture, Sculpture, B.A. (all other concentrations remain)
- Art and Design -- Concentrations in Fibers, Wood/Furniture, Sculpture, Design History, Digital Media Arts, and Product Design, B.F.A.
- Applied Economics, M.A.
- Art History, B.A. (Art History will be offered as a minor and included in Art and Design curriculum)
- Coaching, minor (Coaching certificate program offered)
- Computer Information Systems, minor
- Digital Design & Fabrication, certificate
- Disaster & Emergency Management, graduate certificate
- Economic Policy Analysis, minor
- Environmental Science, minor
- Fiber Arts, certificate
- Hospitality Administration, minor
- International Economics, minor
- Jewelry Arts, certificate
- Physics, B.S.
- Physics, B.A.
- Physics Education 7-12, M.S.Ed. (Science Education M.S.Ed. offered)
- Sculpture, minor
- Sociology, B.A.
The changes come as Buffalo State says that enrollment has fallen by 45 percent over the last 10 years.
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Mark Ludwiczak joined the News 4 team in 2024. He is a veteran journalist with two decades of experience in Buffalo. You can follow him online at @marklud12.