GREAT FALLS COLLEGE MSU REPRIORITIZES ITS FUTURE
Great Falls, MT— After an evaluation of all its administrative and academic programs, Great Falls College MSU will be refocusing some of its resources to increase the number of students who stay in college and graduate, increase the college’s enrollment in its core programs and develop new programs to meet regional workforce needs.
The evaluation identified 10 programs with low student demand, low retention and completion rates, and/or a low employment outlook for closure. The affected programs will have a teach out period, which will allow students currently enrolled to finish their degrees. As the impacts are phased in, the closure of these programs is anticipated to provide Great Falls College MSU with roughly $400,000 in reprioritized resources for the college to apply toward increasing student success, as well as developing new programs responsive to the demands of the regional economy.
“As we examined our programs, and look to the future, the college realized the need to focus resources on the greatest needs of our students and our region,” said Susan Wolff, CEO and Dean at Great Falls College MSU.
Wolff emphasized that these changes are not the result of budget shortfalls.
“We accurately predicted our enrollment this last fall and spring, which means our budget and our revenues are in sync. However, in order to be responsible stewards of our resources, to grow Great Falls College MSU, to meet the needs of our region and best serve our students we have taken the time to strategically identify resources to be redirected.”
Unlike this year in which the college’s budget is balanced, last year the college had a $425,000 shortfall due to lower than expected enrollment. To address the shortfall, the college implemented a hiring freeze of administrative positions and was able to balance its budget. No academic programs or positions were affected by the freeze.
“That was a situation where we had to react,” Wolff said. “This year’s process is about strategically planning for the future.”
Great Falls College MSU established two evaluation teams—one evaluating academic programs and the other evaluating administrative programs. Based on these evaluations, programs have been identified for reorganization or closure.
The following academic programs at Great Falls College MSU will be affected by closure:
• Business Administration – Entrepreneurship (AAS)
• Business Administration – Management (AAS)
• Business Fundamentals (CAS)
• Graphic Design (AAS)
• Medical Billing Specialist (CAS)
• Medical Billing and Coding Specialist (AAS)
• Medical Transcription (AAS)
• Medical Transcription (CAS)
• Healthcare Office (CTS)
• CIT – Web Design (AAS)
In addition, Great Falls College MSU will be restructuring its Workforce Development division.
With the ever-changing workforce demands of the region and state, Great Falls College MSU has to be nimble and prepared to react to the needs of the communities it serves. The changes taking place at the college will best serve its students today, and into the future.
“This is an exceptionally hard process for this college, or any other to have to go through. However, for Great Falls College MSU to effectively position itself for the future, and to meet the workforce needs of the communities we serve, we have to make these hard decisions,” said Wolff. “The mission of Great Falls College MSU is to educate and inspire you.” For us to do this for our community, our region, and our state we need to reprioritize these resources and educate students for the workforce of tomorrow.”
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Phone: (406)771.4412
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