The Family and Consumer Sciences Bachelor of Science in Education degree program and the minor in dance are being eliminated.

Although the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences is being eliminated, four of five programs housed within the department are being realigned with newly created departments. The nutrition and dietetics programs will be realigned with the new Department of Health Sciences, which was formerly the Department of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. The Child and Family Studies program will be realigned with the Department of Psychology, Sociology and Counseling. The merchandising program will be realigned with the new Department of Business. The Early Childhood program will be realigned with the new Department of Professional Education.

The three colleges and 11 departments are as follows:

The Missouri Academy of Science, Mathematics and Computing will continue its focus on quality programming in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) disciplines, and a business plan will be implemented that outlines steps to move the Missouri Academy to a financially sustainable model, which also addresses a state audit finding. As part of that plan, Missouri Academy students will contribute significantly more toward their education. Recruitment efforts will increase and operating expenses will be reduced.

At Horace Mann Laboratory School, a business plan will be implemented that addresses steps to move the school to a financially viable model, which, like the Missouri Academy, addresses a state audit finding. As part of the business plan, tuition and operating efficiencies will be addressed. Furthermore, the Horace Mann summer program is being eliminated.

The Foster Aquatic Center will be closed within the next 90 days. Further analysis and the use of the building will be addressed in the future.

Finally, a business plan will be implemented that addresses steps to move KXCV-KRNW, Northwest’s National Public Radio station, to a financially viable model.

Reductions in force will affect individuals within the following areas:

• Academic Support
• Enrollment Management
• Family and Consumer Sciences
• Finance
• Horace Mann
• KXCV-KRNW
• Outreach
• Small Business and Technology Development Center
• University Advancement
• University Relations

20, or 2.8 percent of Northwest's total workforce.

Employees whose positions were affected were informed individually prior to a campuswide announcement that was made Feb. 16, 2012.

All employees have the opportunity to complete the fiscal year, which ends June 30. Most changes will go into effect July 1, 2012.

Faculty members in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences whose positions are being eliminated will remain in place until June 30, 2013, to ensure a smooth transition to the new model.

The Personal Development and Counseling Center and Career Services is providing assistance as requested by affected employees.

Northwest will continue to consider the qualifications and credentials of an applicant when filling positions.

President John Jasinski and the Northwest Leadership Team have been evaluating all aspects of the University's operations since Jasinski’s presidency began in July 2009. Northwest has engaged in various analyses and discussions during that period to strengthen the University. Northwest has focused on student success and will continue to do so.

Northwest is committed to protecting the comprehensive student experience and used its mission of focusing on student success as a guiding principle in making these decisions. As such, Northwest considered how these changes would help the University continue to address enrollment, retention, graduation, placement, revenue enhancement and overall financial health. Northwest must maintain and enhance its academic quality and ensure facilities and technology support operations in a 21^st century context.

In making these decisions and in consistency with Chapter 2 of the Faculty Handbook, Northwest also considered the following when assessing academic departments: the quality of curriculum offered, quality and preparation of faculty, centrality to the University's mission, services provided to non-majors, facilities and equipment required, the number of majors enrolled in degree programs, the demand for graduates from its programs, and its income and operating expenses.

The University has participated in an ongoing analysis to determine essential, important and elective programs and services. Northwest also has solicited an array of input from employees.

Northwest remains committed to providing a quality, comprehensive educational experience that is focused on student success. The following are ways students may be impacted:

• The name of a student's academic department may change. See the above question about academic department realignments for more details.
• Within the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, faculty will provide impacted students with individualized advising and work with them to assess their degree completion status. No new students will be accepted into the Family and Consumer Sciences Bachelor of Science Degree in Education program.
• Students in the four remaining Family and Consumer Science programs will be aligned with new departments. See the above question about academic department realignments for more details.
• The dance minor and related courses will not be offered after the spring 2012 trimester.
• The summer program at Horace Mann will be discontinued. Students will be assisted with finding alternative practicum experiences.
• Missouri Academy students will contribute significantly more toward their education.
• Hours in the cashiering office will change.
• The Foster Aquatic Center will close.

The Foster Aquatic Center will close. Further analysis and the use of the building will be addressed in the future.

Yes. All athletic programs have been and will continue to be evaluated as part of Northwest's ongoing analysis.

At Northwest, student-athletes boast a high graduation rate that exceeds campus averages as well as state and national averages. NCAA studies also show that for every student-athlete who attends a university, 2.4 other students come with them.

Northwest is committed to staying in compliance with Title IX requirements. Analysis shows eliminating athletic programs would have a negative impact on enrollment, tuition and other revenues generated at Northwest.

We're committed to accessibility, affordability and the quality of the Northwest experience. Tuition rates for the 2012-2013 academic year were approved by the Board of Regents.

Northwest remains committed to keeping costs affordable. Student Senate would recommend and/or review any student fee proposals.

In the past two years combined, Northwest has addressed $3.77 million in decreases to its budget, all while keeping tuition in line with the Consumer Price Index. Northwest also has continued to provide a laptop and textbooks to full-time students, saving each student an average of $1,000 and $1,200 per year, respectively.

Additional cost savings measures have included, for example:

• Hiring pauses across all non-instructional positions, saving about $1 million
• Employee sick and vacation policy changes, saving about $1.4 million
• Supplier contract renegotiations, saving about $500,000
• Refinanced bonds, saving about $400,000

The University is continuing its analysis of policies, processes and programs, and will keep student success at the forefront of its decision making.

As the funding structure for higher education evolves, private gifts are more important than ever. Gifts from Northwest’s alumni and friends help to make the Northwest experience more accessible and more affordable for students and help fund University initiatives.

You can make a gift online, or make a gift to specific department needs at www.pawtopaw.org.

If you would like to discuss other giving options, please contact the Office of University Advancement at 660.562.1248.

If you would like to discuss a gift you have designated to a specific program impacted by these changes, please contact the Office of University Advancement at 660.562.1248.