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January 31, 2011

Re-Shaping and Sculpting the Academic Programs

A Message from President Richard Hanson

Since presenting the recalibration plan on January 20, I have received much feedback from the BSU-NTC campus communities, alumni, and friends.  The feedback has been varied with some indicating support for the plan, which addresses a projected $5 million shortfall for the next two years, and others indicating their displeasure with that plan.

The decisions within the plan were not easy ones nor were they arrived at casually.  We carefully considered a full range of data while paying close attention to the elements of sustainability, distinctiveness, and innovativeness. We also considered the economic pressures facing our state and the demographic shifts affecting our region.  We remained keenly mindful of the impact decisions would have on our students, faculty, and staff. 

Simply lopping 10 percent from each and every area at Bemidji State and Northwest Tech would have made the decision-making process easy.  However, we took a more measured approach, ultimately providing Bemidji State and Northwest Tech with a pathway into the future that will be strong, attractive to students, and transformative in its capabilities.

The faculty and their deans must go through a substantial planning process now as they assess the situation, make decisions about reshaping the programs, and create class schedules for Fall 2011 and later.  The reductions in positions are final, but those adjustments need not predict the demise of the programs themselves. That's up to the colleges and faculty involved.

I urge the faculty and the colleges to assess the situation, re-think the assigned-time resources, make decisions about the form and function of the academic programs, and begin to create teaching schedules. Our students need to know soon how they can fulfill their educational goals at Bemidji State and Northwest Tech.

Please accept my thanks for your care, commitment, and capacity in making these decisions and moving our institutions forward.