Student Frequently Asked Questions
General
Why is realignment needed? Is this a budget issue?
OLLU is a 130-year-old student-centered institution, and we have found it necessary over the years to re-evaluate and adjust programs based on students' needs. Over the last nine years, enrollment has dropped and interest in many of our majors and programs has declined. OLLU has taken the bold step to critically reassess and modify its current expenditures as well as take an honest look at our program offerings. Our goal is to be good stewards of your tuition dollars and offer programs that our students value and are relevant to their future.
What areas will be impacted by the realignment?
Realignment will prioritize student success and institutional growth. It will have an impact on some academic programs, student services, campus operations, and the distribution of resources across departments.
How will this realignment impact students?
Some academic programs will be discontinued. To be clear: every current student in a degree plan that is being discontinued will be given the opportunity to complete their coursework and graduate. Our team will assist in developing a plan for those impacted students.
In addition, financial aid awards for students in discontinued programs will not be impacted. Contact the financial aid office for any questions.
I learned that my major will be discontinued. Do I need to switch majors?
No. OLLU will offer the courses you need to graduate with your current major.
I understand that I will be able to complete my major even though it is discontinued. In that case, is it necessary for me to know that the major was closing?
Yes, OLLU is required by its accreditors to notify students of discontinued majors.
How do you choose which programs to retain and which ones to discontinue?
Enrollment trends are essential for this decision. 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.
Although these choices are always difficult, we are retaining programs that attract students, that have a favorable job outlook for students, and that the university can offer in the highest quality way. Discontinued programs are those that do not meet these criteria.
Which programs will be discontinued?
OLLU leadership is currently completing conversations with department chairs, program directors, and impacted faculty. After those conversations are complete, we will be able to release information about discontinued programs.
My academic program is impacted. What do I do?
Every current student in a degree plan that is being discontinued will be given an opportunity to complete their coursework and graduate. Faculty and staff will reach out to every student and will assist in developing a plan for completing your coursework so you can graduate with your degree.
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 to increase 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 will help keep costs manageable for students while maintaining or improving the quality of education.
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 professional and technical writing or data analytics will be given time to grow as demand increases. We are leveraging our strengths as we move through this realignment.
Will there be job loss/faculty loss?
OLLU will eliminate some faculty, staff, and administrative positions. We will not fill several vacant roles. 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.
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 that we believe will strengthen OLLU over time.
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. The university, as a measure of good fiscal management, has taken the bold step to critically reassess and modify its current expenditures. By focusing investments on high-priority areas, OLLU aims to maintain fiscal responsibility while continuing to provide quality education and services.
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.
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 is complex and it is 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, and 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.