UW-Stevens Point Considers Merging Colleges Because of Budget Cuts

Update: UW-Stevens Point has walked back its plan to merge two of its colleges. Read more here.

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is considering merging its College of Fine Arts with its College of Letters and Science as it struggles with a proposed 25 percent cut in its state aid.

UW Stevens Point Chancellor Bernie Patterson said the fine arts programs would continue, but a separate College of Fine Arts would no longer exist.

“Fine arts departments — music, theater and dance — would move to the College of Letters and Science and become a College of Arts and Science, which is actually the prevalent model in our state,” said Patterson.

The school is also considering moving its communications curriculum to its College of Professional Studies. Patterson said the school is seeking reaction from faculty, students, alumni and community members.

“It’s just a proposal that’s on the table along with a number of others that are all being considered as we work through this horrendous reduction in our budget,” said Patterson.

The move would save $280,000 and three faculty positions. As many as 115 positions may have to be cut.