Frequently Asked Questions
The Academic Program Review Policy set by the RI Office of Postsecondary Commissioner (RIOPC) states that academic programs that award fewer than 11 degrees at the bachelor’s level and fewer than 6 degrees at the master’s level for three consecutive years may be identified for an internal review process. RIOPC requires all institutions to conduct programmatic reviews on a regular cycle of no less than every six years.
Faculty were notified by email communication on January 6, 2025.
The productivity and efficiency review included both undergraduate and graduate programs and concentrations that fell below the graduation thresholds outlined prior.
As previously outlined, RIOPC policy requires this to be done at least once every six years. Further, it is part of the regular course of business for most colleges and universities to periodically trim underenrolled academic programs while investing in those with growth potential and adding new ones where demand is demonstrated. We have already done some of this work over the past two years, launching new programs like Cybersecurity, Sports Management, Biotechnology and AI, while discontinuing some low-enrolled concentrations. However, the policy recommends reviewing all programs according to the criteria, something we have not done in many years.
- January 6, 2025: Faculty notified if program was identified for review
- January 13, 2025: Info session held
- February 7, 2025: Second info session held
- February 28, 2025: Final reports due
- April 14, 2025: Final decisions rendered
The review process produced four outcomes:
- Invest resources in the program
- Continue the program and implement a Program Improvement Plan
- Consolidate majors, programs or concentrations
- Suspend enrollment
A total of 62 programs or concentrations were identified for review:
- 20 will be suspended
- 15 will be consolidated
- 21 will continue with an approved program improvement plan
Faculty were given the opportunity to submit reports on their programs making the case for continuation. The Rhode Island College Council Committee on Program Review made recommendations to the Office of the Provost after reading program reports.
No. This was an internal review process conducted by the Office of the Provost with the collaboration of deans, faculty and the Rhode Island College Council Committee on Program Review.
The changes will go into effect for Fall 2025.
Students in every program will experience no interruptions on their path to timely graduation. Rhode Island College will continue to teach out the impacted programs without disruption to current students.
A teach out is a plan that helps current students complete their degree program if their degree program is suspended.
Students may not enroll in a suspended program. All students who indicated an intended major in one of the suspended programs have been notified and presented with other options.
Classes in affected programs will still be taught and can be selected as minors going forward; they will just no longer be available as standalone majors or concentrations.
RIC's mission is to be the state’s college of opportunity, making a high-quality four-year degree accessible and attainable for all who choose to pursue one. To truly reach the college’s potential as a high-performing, student-centered institution, it is critical that we address inefficiencies with a sense of urgency and a relentless focus on the success of our students.
Administrative offices have been and will continue to be reviewed for efficiency and effectiveness. In the last two years, the following administrative offices have been reviewed by third party auditors: Human Resources, Career Development, Disability Services, and Records/Registrar.
No layoffs are planned. We are not eliminating any positions; we are simply refocusing courseloads in areas where faculty knowledge and expertise will make the greatest impact.
Yes.
As Rhode Island’s college of opportunity, RIC must align programs to career-driven demand from students, employers, and the State. Investing and expanding in-demand programs allows RIC to bolster student success, improve equity gaps, and increase our graduation rate.
Although we do expect some cost savings to accrue over time, this process was not initiated primarily as a cost-cutting measure. The objective is to ensure that every dollar spent on instruction is put to its best possible use. That requires trimming programs with consistently low enrollment and graduation numbers over multiple years and redirecting resources to programs with demonstrated growth potential and need within the state.
