On today’s podcast episode, we talk with a student and a professor at Concordia University Ann Arbor. The school will need to significantly reduce its operations and program offerings, including athletics, after the 2024-25 academic year. The cuts have staff and students anxious about what the future holds for the institution.

The Lutheran institution is facing a $9 million budget deficit. Enrollment has grown in recent years with a student body around 1,000, but it’s a benchmark many smaller colleges have found it hard to maintain operations.

Even so, back in February university administration announced a series of staff and program cuts. Then came a notice in June that all athletic programs would be cut next year. Just nine in-person and seven online programs will remain after June 2025.

You can find a statement from Concordia University here. 

GUESTS:

Dr. Scott Chappuis, associate professor Department of Communication

David Smalls, student Department of Justice & Public Policy, and Student Government Association President 

--

Looking for more conversations from Stateside? Right this way.

If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work.

Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions.