UW-Stevens Point Reorganizes Department Of Geography And Geology

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is reorganizing its Department of Geography and Geology as it works to cut $4.5 million from its budget over the next two years.

Greg Summers, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, said the department will no longer exist as a stand-alone unit, but will be folded into other academic programs.

He said no positions have been eliminated yet, although “such decisions may result in the long term.”

“We’re going to be eliminating geography/geology as a unit, and at least part of that department will move into this new unit around the concept of information sciences,” Summers said. “I can confirm that no firm decisions have been made regarding the curriculum or any positions that support the curriculum.”

He said no decision has been made on whether the university will continue to offer geography or geology as majors, although geography and geology courses will still be taught.

Summers said the move is just one aspect of a larger reorganization that is still under discussion affecting all academic and student support areas.

The $4.5 million shortfall is caused by declining enrollment, because of smaller high school graduating classes, a drop in retention of first and second year students and an improvement in the length of time it takes UWSP students to graduate.

“It’s certainly a significant number for the institution, but despite our enrollment decline, we consider ourselves a stronger institution today than we were five years ago. We serve our students more strategically and proactively,” he said.

Summers said prior state budget cuts and the state tuition freeze have also hurt the university.

“We’re sensitive to the economic plight of many of our students, and we understand that keeping that cost to a minimum is certainly important, and we’re committed to that. But that tuition freeze has meant that the revenue stream coming into the campus has been severely restricted, so that’s among the reasons, part of the context of why we are having to make these decisions today,” Summers said.