News Summary
PennWest University has proposed eliminating several art programs across its campuses as part of a strategic review to focus on high-demand degrees. This decision has raised concerns among students, alumni, and faculty, reflecting the significance of the arts in education. Interim Provost James Fisher’s recommendations include a ‘teach-out’ for various undergraduate and graduate programs, particularly affecting art-related disciplines. The university aims to align its offerings with workforce needs while ensuring sustainability in a challenging financial landscape. The community response highlights the arts’ critical role in education and campus culture.
Pittsburgh – PennWest University is moving to eliminate numerous art programs, among over a hundred other academic offerings, a decision that has sparked significant concern and alarm among some alumni, students, and faculty across its three campuses. The university’s administration cites a strategic shift towards prioritizing high-demand degrees and ensuring long-term academic and financial sustainability as the primary drivers behind these extensive program reviews and proposed cuts.
Widespread Program Reductions Proposed
Interim Provost James Fisher has recommended initiating a “teach-out” process for six undergraduate programs, four graduate programs, and 34 minors across the California, Clarion, and Edinboro campuses. This comprehensive review further proposes ending nine bachelor’s degree programs on specific campuses, along with 33 undergraduate and graduate concentrations, and 28 post-baccalaureate and sub-baccalaureate certificates. Art-related disciplines are particularly affected by these recommendations.
Specific Art Program Impacts
Among the programs potentially slated for closure across all three campuses are minors in arts administration, theatre, and theatre history and literature. On the California campus, specific undergraduate majors like graphic design, studio arts, and secondary education – art education face potential elimination. Additionally, university-wide undergraduate degrees in theatre and commercial music technology could be discontinued.
University Justification and Strategic Alignment
PennWest officials have publicly stated that the academic program review is a direct reflection of the university’s commitment to delivering education aligned with current workforce needs. The goal is to strengthen the academic experience for students and ensure that course offerings are sustainable for the institution. Wendy Mackall, a university spokeswoman, confirmed that PennWest is actively reviewing and refining its academic programs to ensure they are responsive to workforce demands. This initiative also aims to streamline programs, expand experiential learning, and enhance student support, all contributing to a more competitive and relevant educational experience.
The university has assured that any student currently enrolled in an impacted program will be able to complete their degree on their home campus without disruption. Final recommendations from this review process were anticipated in December 2025, with implementation expected to begin in Spring 2026. Updated curriculum details are slated for release in late spring 2026.
Community Outcry and Concerns
The proposed cuts have generated significant backlash from various segments of the PennWest community. Alumni, including Rebecca Hersan, an art teacher who graduated from the California campus, expressed strong disapproval, highlighting the historical strength of the art education program and its role in teaching critical thinking. Ms. Hersan noted that this is not the first time arts programs at the California campus have faced potential elimination, recalling a similar alumni campaign in 2016. She believes the arts are “under attack” and that there’s a lack of understanding regarding their importance.
Malory Tadaki, a recent fine arts graduate from the California campus, expressed shock and concern that cuts to the arts could negatively impact campus culture and future enrollment. An online petition initiated by a student to save the arts programs at the California campus has quickly gathered more than 1,100 signatures, reflecting the depth of student and community concern. Students have vocalized a desire for more face-to-face instruction and programs, sometimes perceiving the university’s direction as contrary to their preferences.
Broader Financial and Enrollment Landscape
These program adjustments occur within a challenging environment for higher education. PennWest, like many other colleges nationwide, is grappling with significant financial and demographic pressures. Data indicates a national trend of declining birth rates contributing to an anticipated “enrollment cliff.” PennWest itself has experienced a 2.6% decrease in overall enrollment this fall compared to the previous year, with its total student population standing at 10,548. Despite these declines in overall enrollment, the university has seen growth in online enrollment by 8% and dual enrollment (high school students taking college courses) by 270%.
The financial realities facing the university also led to the furlough of over a dozen employees at its California and Clarion campuses in November 2025. These furloughs were attributed to a projected budget deficit, increased personnel costs, and continued lower student enrollment, underscoring the broader economic challenges influencing academic decisions at PennWest.
PennWest University was formed in 2022 through the merger of three state system campuses: California, Clarion, and Edinboro. Each of these legacy institutions had faced their own enrollment and financial difficulties prior to consolidation, providing a backdrop for the current program restructuring efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is PennWest University doing with its art programs?
PennWest University is moving to eliminate numerous art programs as part of a broader academic program review.
Why is PennWest University eliminating these programs?
PennWest officials state the academic program review reflects the university’s mission to prioritize high-demand degrees and ensure long-term academic and financial sustainability, aligning programs with workforce needs.
How many programs are affected in total?
Interim Provost James Fisher has recommended initiating a “teach-out” process for six undergraduate programs, four graduate programs, and 34 minors. Additionally, nine bachelor’s degree programs on specific campuses, 33 concentrations, and 28 certificates are targeted.
Which specific art programs are at risk?
Art minors such as arts administration, theatre, and theatre history and literature could be closed across all three campuses. On the California campus, undergraduate majors in graphic design, studio arts, and secondary education — art education are at risk. University-wide, undergraduate degrees in theatre and commercial music technology could be axed.
What happens to students currently enrolled in impacted programs?
Any student currently enrolled in an impacted program will be able to complete their degree on their home campus without disruption.
What are the concerns of alumni and students?
Alumni and students are alarmed, expressing anger and concern about the potential negative impact on students, campus culture, and the surrounding community. An online petition to save the arts programs at the California campus has gathered over 1,100 signatures.
What is the broader financial context for these changes?
PennWest, like other colleges nationwide, faces financial and demographic pressures, including declining birth rates and overall enrollment declines. The university’s overall enrollment decreased by 2.6% this fall to 10,548 students.
When will the changes be implemented?
Final recommendations were announced in December 2025, with implementation beginning in Spring 2026. Updated curriculum information is expected in late spring 2026.
Key Features of PennWest Academic Program Review
| Feature | Details | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| University | PennWest University (California, Clarion, Edinboro campuses) | State-level |
| Nature of Action | Elimination and teach-out of academic programs | State-level |
| Programs Affected | Six undergraduate programs, four graduate programs, 34 minors, nine bachelor’s degree programs (specific campuses), 33 concentrations, 28 certificates; notably, various art programs including graphic design, studio arts, art education, theatre. | State-level |
| Rationale | Prioritize high-demand degrees, align with workforce needs, ensure long-term academic and financial sustainability. | State-level |
| Stakeholder Reaction | Alarm and concern from alumni, students, and faculty; online petition with over 1,100 signatures. | State-level |
| Enrollment Trend | Overall enrollment decreased 2.6% this fall to 10,548 students. | State-level |
| Broader Context | Financial and demographic pressures, declining birth rates, furloughs of over a dozen employees due to budget deficits. | Nationwide |
| Implementation Timeline | Recommendations in December 2025, implementation Spring 2026, updated curriculum late spring 2026. | State-level |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Philadelphia’s Gen Z Graduates Face Tough Job Market
Aramark’s Growth Strategy Positions Company for Expansion
Drexel Battles Vermont in Women’s Basketball Showdown
Yale and Penn Develop Loan Programs Amid Federal Changes
The School District of Philadelphia Confronts a Fiscal Crisis: Projected $442 Million Shortfall for 2025–26
University of Pennsylvania Expands AI Training Program
Pennsylvania High School Boys’ Basketball Showcases Talent
Perelman School of Medicine Names Key Research Facilities
Philadelphia’s School District Faces $442 Million Budget Shortfall
Delaware Valley Legacy Fund Supports LGBTQ+ Organizations
Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
