Fontbonne University drops 21 programs, 19 jobs amid budget cuts
CLAYTON, Mo. – Fontbonne University will lose 21 academic programs and 19 faculty positions as officials prepare for nearly $2 million in budget cuts.
The university announced a “retrenchment plan” Thursday afternoon, indicating various budget cuts and their impacts over the next several years.
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Earlier this month, FOX 2 learned that students feared the university would cut its fine arts program. A statement from the university in our previous report said “Fontbonne is navigating shifting economic and financial circumstances” and hinted there could be changes to “reduce expenses while retaining our ranking as a ‘best value’ school and top regional university in the Midwest.”
The university will cut the fine arts program along with those emphasizing global studies, healthcare management, communication, and several others.
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The retrenchment plan notes that “to assist as many students as possible in completing their degree, the art and fine art programs will be extended until at least spring 2025.” Timelines to drop other academic programs remain to be determined.
Students currently enrolled in the university said two emails were sent out Thursday: one to alumni and the other to students. Both raised a lot of questions.
“We’re feeling very confused. Honestly. We both feel like with the alumni email and the statement, but then the email that she sent current students, there’s differences, and we’re just confused, and we feel like we need answers,” Abby Platte said.
Platte and M.V. Laughlin said they’re studying for finals while trying to figure out their future at the university.
“Somber. Our chair reached out to all of us and said, ‘My door is open. Please come talk if you want.’ They’ve all been very supportive and we want to help you all in any way we can,” Platte said.
Laughlin said her program is on the chopping block in the middle of her studies.
“You keep cutting and whittling and reallocating or trying new ventures and you’re not the same university,” Laughlin said.
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