Utah State University Announces Major College Mergers Amid Budget Reallocation

Utah State University (USU) has unveiled significant structural changes to its academic colleges, a strategic move to comply with the recently enacted House Bill 265 (HB 265), also known as the Higher Education Strategic Reinvestment Act.

Effective July 1, the university will consolidate five existing colleges into two new entities. The College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences will merge with the College of Science to form the College of Arts and Sciences. Within this new college, the Caine School of the Arts will continue to operate as a distinct entity.

Simultaneously, the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences will combine with the S.J. and Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, resulting in the formation of the S.J. and Jessie E. Quinney College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. This merger is bolstered by a generous $5 million commitment from the Janet Q. Lawson Foundation, establishing the Janet Lawson Endowed Deanship for the newly formed college.

Interim President Alan L. Smith expressed gratitude for the support from the Quinney and Lawson families, emphasizing their enthusiasm for the university's new direction. "We are deeply grateful for their partnership as we move forward," Smith stated in a message to employees.

These mergers are a direct response to HB 265, which mandates that Utah's public colleges and universities develop strategic reinvestment plans. The legislation has led to a 10% withholding of state higher education funding, amounting to $60 million across the state's degree-granting institutions. For USU, this translates to a budget impact of approximately $12.6 million.

The Utah Board of Higher Education granted contingent approval to USU's strategic reinvestment plan on June 6, requesting additional information on how the reinvestments will enhance instructional capacity. Smith plans to present this information to the board later this summer.

As the university shifts from planning to implementation, academic programming changes will be managed within the colleges, involving faculty experts, while operational changes will be overseen by administrative teams. Importantly, students currently enrolled in programs that may be reduced or discontinued will be able to complete their degrees, ensuring minimal disruption to their educational journeys.

The strategic reinvestment plan still requires approval from the Legislative Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee in August and the Legislative Executive Appropriations Committee in September before full implementation can proceed.

In addition to the structural changes, Smith announced a targeted salary increase program that has raised the percentage of salaried employees earning at least $43,000 from 88.7% to 94.5%. Furthermore, the university's new Center for Civic Excellence, housed in the Provost's Office and funded by the Utah Legislature, will collaborate with the College of Arts and Sciences on upcoming general education revisions.

These strategic moves underscore USU's commitment to aligning with state priorities, enhancing academic offerings, and ensuring financial sustainability in the face of legislative mandates.

FAQs

What is House Bill 265?

House Bill 265, also known as the Higher Education Strategic Reinvestment Act, is legislation that requires Utah's public colleges and universities to develop strategic reinvestment plans, leading to a 10% withholding of state higher education funding.

How will the college mergers affect current students?

Students currently enrolled in programs that may be reduced or discontinued will be able to complete their degrees, ensuring minimal disruption to their educational journeys.

What is the purpose of the Center for Civic Excellence?

The Center for Civic Excellence, housed in the Provost's Office and funded by the Utah Legislature, will collaborate with the College of Arts and Sciences on upcoming general education revisions.