Program Cuts Included in Buffalo State University Sustainability Plan

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Buffalo State University outlined its plan for financial sustainability Thursday. He says this plan will ensure long-term success for students and the campus.

What is included?

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Buffalo State Interim President Bonita Durand, Ph.D., presented this plan in front of the campus community and stakeholders on Thursday. She talks about a multi-pronged approach to eliminating the university’s structural deficit of $16.5 million.

“I am confident that our Buffalo State University community can both ensure our long-term financial sustainability while continuing to do what we do best: providing a high-quality educational experience for our students.” , said Durand. “With the support of elected leaders, SUNY leaders, our community partners, our campus community and our Buffalo State family, we will solidify our role as a leading academic institution that meets the evolving needs of students to coming years.

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The campus will cut 37 programs, maintain a hiring freeze and implement a voluntary separation program, all in an effort to save money in hopes of increasing enrollment and retaining students.

7 News senior reporter Eileen Buckley asked Durand about the 37 program cuts, which had only 35 students enrolled.

“A lot of them are bachelor’s of fine arts degrees, which means programs like printmaking, photography, papermaking, programs that used to be highly sought after and had concentrations, but are no longer. today,” Durand replied.

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SUNY gave Buffalo State a $5.3 million increase in direct state tax support last year, followed by another $2.8 million increase this year.

“With the support of historic levels of state investment, Interim President Durand has presented a thoughtful, well-planned vision for Buffalo State that balances difficult but necessary choices with creative thinking, placing the university in the best possible position to achieve long-term financial health. and growth,” said SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr. “A strong Buffalo State is essential to ensuring a strong SUNY system. Interim President Durand and the Buffalo State community have my full support as they work to secure a brighter future for the institution and, more importantly, our students.

Buffalo State says enrollment has declined 42% over the past decade, but the campus saw an increase in first-time undergraduate enrollment in fall 2023, which it calls a sign of hope.

“Dear colleagues, please know that I am here ready and willing to stand with you as we make some very difficult decisions,” Durand remarked.

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The University is currently working to right-size its workforce, but this will involve job cuts in administration, teaching and non-teaching areas, saying it is “leaving nothing to chance”.

“How many full-time faculty do you expect to retire or leave their jobs?” Buckley asked economics professor Fred Floss. “Honestly, I’m not sure,” Floss replied.

Floss tells me he suspects a number of them will accept the voluntary separation agreement and points out that some job cuts will hurt students.

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“If you get rid of all these faculty members, you’re not really hurting them, because they’re going to be able to go out and get another job. Essentially, what you’re doing is harming the students and hurting the community because those teachers won’t be there,” Floss noted.

The room was packed as the interim president delivered difficult news to the university community in order to shore up its financial future.

“The task we face with our structural deficit is to balance the workforce and increase and stabilize our enrollment,” Durand emphasized.

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Buff State expects enrollment to increase for the fall, but uncertainty remains.

“However, we have a real challenge with FASFA, and students don’t know if they can afford to come. And it’s just not us, it’s everyone in the country,” said Durand.

The interim president emphasized that while these are very difficult decisions, Buffalo State is not going anywhere.

“We believe these are the decisions we need to make to create a strong and sustainable Buffalo State,” Durand commented.