Used the completed program analyses to determine which programs should be discontinued, continued, or phased out with a formal teach-out plan.
Committee Composition
- Deans and Department chairs – Phase 1 Only
- Faculty representatives – Phase 2
- Student representatives – Phase 2
- Academic Affairs & University leadership (facilitation and SME role)
Decision Criteria
All decisions referenced and justified by the Gray & Associates data, including:
- Enrollment viability
- Financial sustainability
- Workforce relevance – 10 Essential Skills
- Alignment with polytechnic goals
- Contribution to institutional identity and mission as an HBCU and land-grant institution
Additional Considerations
- Addressed faculty concerns proactively, meeting notes emphasized the importance of transparent, empathetic communication to reduce fear and resistance.
- Reinforced that the polytechnic model does not eliminate arts, humanities, or social sciences, but integrates them into applied learning pathways.
Phase 3. Identify Academic Programs That Will Continue (Including Adjustments for Polytechnic Goals)
Purpose
Determined which programs will remain and what modifications are needed to align them with the polytechnic identity.
Guiding Principles
- Maintained compliance with SACSCOC substantive change thresholds (under 25% change without triggering a formal review).
- Integrated technology, data science, applied learning, and workforce relevance into continuing programs.
- Used the “STEM + Health” to maintain inclusivity and reduce misconceptions.
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