Students collaborating and studying on the vibrant Utica University campus
Utica University has unveiled a restructuring plan aimed at addressing declining enrollment, which has dropped nearly 30% to just over 3,600 students. The plan includes workforce reductions, financial strategies to save $5 million annually, and a focus on in-demand academic programs. Cuts to intercollegiate sports may also occur due to financial constraints. The university is actively engaging with regional stakeholders to realign its offerings with local economic needs and plans collaborations with other institutions to support students’ career paths.
Utica University has announced a significant academic and operational restructuring plan on July 1, aimed at addressing its sharply declining enrollment numbers. The initiative will lead to reductions in both faculty and staff, aligning the university’s workforce with the current enrollment figures while preserving its founding mission and responding better to regional economic needs.
Following a peak enrollment of 5,100 students, Utica University’s current student body stands at just over 3,600, representing a decline of nearly 30%. This reduction in enrollment has necessitated the restructuring, and the university’s leadership has acknowledged that the current staffing levels are not sustainable. The institution currently employs 556 full-time equivalent staff, a decline from 626 in 2021, suggesting an overstaffing situation.
In an effort to improve financial stability, the university plans to reduce faculty costs by an estimated $5 million per year. Faculty numbers have shown some stability, with 178 faculty members in 2019 compared to 172 in 2024. Measures are also anticipated to adjust the university’s paid-time-off policy, as employees currently receive an average of 70 to 80 paid days off annually.
The restructuring will concentrate on the 20 most in-demand programs, where approximately 95% of students are currently enrolled. These popular programs include areas such as health care, cybersecurity, criminal justice, and business. Additionally, the university is proposing to gradually phase down programs with low enrollment.
Considering the university’s financial constraints, cuts to intercollegiate sports may also be on the table. The current offering of 25 sports might not be sustainable moving forward. Steps have already been taken to alleviate financial pressure, including the decision to exit the Clark City Center and close two satellite teaching locations in Florida.
Earlier in March, the university engaged with regional stakeholders, including employers and faculty members, as part of the restructuring process. This engagement was aimed at gathering insights to guide the university’s strategic adjustments to better align with the needs of the local economy. The university is also looking to solidify partnerships with local school districts and BOCES, helping to create academic opportunities that align more closely with expected career prospects for students.
Utica University is considering further collaborations with other higher education institutions to facilitate smoother transitions for students pursuing advanced degrees. By realigning its academic offerings and operational strategies, the university aims to better serve its community and ensure that it meets the evolving demands of the workforce in the region.
This restructuring plan marks a pivotal moment for Utica University as it seeks to navigate challenging circumstances while striving to maintain its core educational values and fulfill its commitment to student success.
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