Frequently Asked Questions
General
Why is realignment needed? Is this a budget issue?
OLLU is a 130 year old student-centered institution, and we’ve found it necessary over the years to re-evaluate and adjust programs based on students' needs. The need for re-evaluation of this kind is not limited to OLLU. Over the last few years, higher education students across the country have been insisting on change. Students are, in effect, challenging institutions of higher learning to change with the times and making that desire known through their tuition dollars. Here in our community, if we don’t offer what students need or want from their investment in higher education, they make a reasoned decision to look elsewhere.
Specific to our university, over the last nine years we’ve experienced a drop in enrollment, which has driven budget deficits. The university, as a measure of good fiscal management, has taken the bold step to critically reassess and modify its current expenditures. However, cost cutting doesn’t address the root cause - students are not finding the programs they seek in our current offerings, and many of our programs no longer attract the interest of students to keep them viable. So in tandem with budget modifications, the greater consideration is the desire of our students to pursue programs with greater perceived value and relevance to their future.
What areas will be impacted by the realignment?
Realignment will prioritize investments in areas with the greatest impact on student success and institutional growth. There will be an impact on some academic programs, student services, campus operations, and the distribution of resources across departments.
How has the university ensured transparency during this process?
OLLU has been transparent throughout this process and is committed to keeping our university community informed. The university has sought feedback from key stakeholders—including faculty and staff—ensuring that decisions are made thoughtfully and with input from our stakeholders. Ongoing updates will be shared regularly through official channels, including emails, meetings, and the university website.
Students
How will this realignment impact students?
This realignment of our academic programs is designed to align with enrollment trends - improve the university's academic offerings, student services, and overall campus experience. It’s our intention that we’ll offer degree plans of great academic rigor of interest to a larger number of students.
That said, some degrees will be discontinued. To be clear, every current student in a degree plan that is being discontinued will be able to complete their coursework and graduate. Our team will assist in developing a plan for those impacted students.
Across OLLU, students and faculty will benefit from more efficient use of resources, better support systems, and a more focused approach to meeting academic and professional needs. The realignment aims to strengthen academic programs and enhance campus services, ensuring a high-quality educational experience for all.
How will realignment affect campus services and support for students?
Some services will change. We will continue to assess and provide robust services to students based on their needs, with the goal to ensure that our offerings benefit more students.
Will OLLU’s realignment impact tuition for students?
We do not plan on increasing tuition. Our focus is on changing resource allocation, realigning academic programs, and making needed department and structural changes to fit within our strategy and operate within our means. The goal is to make OLLU more efficient and effective in its operations, which could help keep costs manageable for students while maintaining or improving the quality of education.
Academic Programs
Will any academic programs or departments be eliminated or merged as part of this realignment?
Yes. As part of the realignment process, some academic programs will be discontinued and we will modify some academic programs. We will also reduce some full-time and part-time faculty positions. Some programs have had dwindling interest from students, to the point where they are no longer viable as stand-alone degree plans. Others are trending in that direction. When programs are no longer financially viable, the burden for carrying those costs falls squarely on our students. That is not acceptable. We owe it to our students and their families to operate as stewards of the resources they allocate to their education.
Our focus is on optimizing and enhancing existing programs to better align with student demand, industry trends, and academic excellence. All proposed changes have been carefully considered with student success as the top priority.
Why eliminate these specific programs?
To be clear no single program or department has led to our overall enrollment decline. However, interest in those programs has waned. Declining student enrollment in certain programs means they are no longer economically viable. As a result, tuition dollars are funding programs which do not have the students to support the work in those programs. We believe that we have a responsibility to our students and family to be responsible with their tuition dollars.
Are some academic programs growing?
Absolutely. We have several programs that have already demonstrated strong interest from students in biology, psychology, social work, criminology, and kinesiology. Our graduate programs in computer information systems and security continue to generate interest from our partnering institutions. New academic programs like our data analytics major will be given time to grow as demand increases. We are leveraging our strengths as we move through this realignment.
Employment
Will there be job loss/faculty loss?
There will be some jobs eliminated at faculty, staff, and administrative levels at OLLU. There are several vacant roles we are not filling. We are beginning conversations with those directly impacted now, and will share more information in the coming days. We deeply appreciate the contributions of all our employees and are focused on supporting everyone during this transition.
How will these changes impact current and prospective faculty members at OLLU?
Current faculty will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful academic work, though adjustments are likely in terms of teaching assignments, departmental structures, or program focus. Prospective faculty will still find OLLU an exciting place to work, with opportunities to contribute to an evolving academic environment focused on student success and innovation.
Does OLLU plan to merge with other institutions as part of this realignment?
No. We will maintain our strong partnerships but we have no intention to merge with any other institution. We have a strong plan for realignment we believe will power OLLU through this transformative time.
How might realignment affect staff roles and responsibilities?
Realignment will result in adjustments to staff roles, departmental responsibilities, and service delivery. The goal is to create a more effective distribution of staff efforts, ensuring we can continue providing excellent support to students, faculty, and the broader campus community. Any changes will be communicated clearly and with as much notice as possible.
How will these changes impact current and prospective staff members at OLLU?
While realignment will eliminate some staff and administrative roles, largely through not filling current vacancies, OLLU remains committed to maintaining a supportive work environment. Prospective staff will find OLLU a dynamic workplace, where their skills are valued as we continue to evolve and meet the university's goals.
What steps are being taken to ensure that employees have the resources and support needed during this realignment?
The university is actively working to ensure that employees have the necessary tools, resources, and training to navigate the changes. We are prioritizing clear communication, providing support for those affected by adjustments, and ensuring that employees feel supported throughout the realignment process.
Finance
What impact will this realignment have on OLLU’s financial health?
The greatest impact will come from increased enrollment - a benefit that will come to fruition in the years to come. By better meeting the needs and interests of students, we are confident that we are taking strategic steps forward that will reverse our current enrollment trends. The realignment process is also intended in the short term to strengthen the university’s financial health by ensuring that resources are used efficiently and strategically. By focusing investments on high-priority areas, OLLU aims to maintain fiscal responsibility while continuing to provide quality education and services.
Is this realignment a response to financial difficulties or a financial crisis?
The realignment is a future focused effort. Enrollment trends over the last nine years have resulted in a deficit, but that in and of itself is not the only reason for a realignment. Declining enrollment points to a root issue with our academic offerings, and that issue is what our efforts are focused on addressing. The university, as a measure of good fiscal management, has taken the bold step to critically reassess and modify its current expenditures. This is a proactive, strategic effort to ensure OLLU remains financially sustainable, academically strong, and responsive to changing educational and workforce demands. It allows us to remain true to our principles while being responsible stewards of the tuition dollars and OLLU’s legacy. This process is designed to position the university for continued success and growth.
How will the realignment impact OLLU’s relationship with its alumni and donors?
OLLU values our alumni and donors, and their continued support will remain vital during this time of realignment. We strongly believe that this responsible action is precisely what our supporters expect. As the university adapts to changing needs, we will continue to engage alumni and donors in our mission and share how their contributions are helping shape OLLU’s future. The goal is to continue building a strong, lasting relationship with all supporters.
Tracking Results
When will the realignment process be complete?
The realignment process will take place over the course of several months, with ongoing assessments and adjustments as necessary. It’s complex and it’s critical that regular analysis ensures we are on the correct trajectory with student needs and enrollment trends. Updates will be shared regularly to keep the OLLU community informed of our progress.
How will OLLU ensure the success of this realignment in the long term?
Enrollment–attracting and retaining students– is our most fundamental metric. Student success (degree completion, successful career launch, future academic pursuits) are also key metrics we will monitor. Maintaining operational efficiencies and appropriate resource allocation will also be crucial. As we continue on this path, success will be measured through student outcomes, faculty engagement, and the continued strength of OLLU’s academic reputation.
How can the campus community keep informed of the realignment process?
We will continue communicating with our students, faculty, staff, and alumni every step of the way. As we move forward we will provide information through various channels including email and our website.
Not seeing an answer to your question here? Reach out to provostoffice@ollusa.edu