WWU considers restructure, elimination of majors, departments

Changes are coming to Western Washington University, with some programs, majors and departments under ex-amination for restructuring or elimination.

On Wednesday, May 4, university officials released a long list of possible ways to permanently reduce the budget starting with the 2011-12 school year. Among the ideas are eliminating positions, combining majors and restructuring departments.

Western officials are bracing for deep cuts, another step in the process that has been happening for the last three years as the state struggles financially. According to University President Bruce Shepard, the net cut to the university’s operating budget for the current biennium and 2011-13 is expected to be about 13 percent; overall state support of the university is expected to be well below 50 percent.