Case Studies in Progress

California State University - Bakersfield

In September 2009, the faculty was aware that the department was in a very precarious position. The administration had announced that it did not want across-the-board cuts which, the chair commented, meant that they would cut departments, and he was concerned that the Geology Department would be one of them. While some elements of the department's vulnerability are clearly beyond their control, the chair felt that they should do what they could to strengthen their position within the university. Here's what they are doing.

Juniata College

The Geology department at Juniata College recently merged with the department of Environmental Science and Studies, forming the department of Earth and Environmental Sciences. While the merger provides some challenges, it has presented some opportunities as well, including increased cross-enrollments and the chance to offer new courses by eliminating redundancies. It has also led to increased visibility on campus.

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

In 2009-2010, as a consequence of the state's budget crisis, the university decided to cut 6 departments. The Geoscience Department learned that they were one of the most expensive departments on campus, were teaching a far lower number of students at the 100-level than any other department, and were being considered for elimination. The chair believed that the department needed to focus on increasing its General Education enrollments along with other strategies for increasing their value to the university and beyond. Here's what they've done.

SUNY Geneseo

Recent budget cuts to the department have been greater than anticipated and the faculty is concerned about the department's future, even though the department is well-respected on campus. The faculty have been seeking ways to establish the department's value to the institution. In the spring of 2009, the College began to emphasize building enrollments and recruiting majors. Read about the department's response.