YSU plans to release the results of a massive study that examines the cost-effectiveness of all its academic programs and its buildings.

The study will presumably shape the future of academics at the university in terms of what needs to be expanded, or in some cases, cut.

Universities are required to perform an academic program review as part of their accreditation process.
YSU is doing one now. Data is collected to find out what academic programs are in demand and which one's aren't.

Universities all over the northeast and Midwest are expected to see declining enrollments due to declining populations.

YSU has seen a declining enrollment since 2010. Fall enrollment in 2010 was 15,194 students.  In 2015, fall enrollment was at 12,471.  In 2020, enrollment, potentially effected by Covid, fell to 11,788.

That's why they are preparing for the possibility of eliminating programs and consolidating buildings or other campus spaces.

"We just want to make sure the space we have is utilized to it's greatest effect and that's what this process will involve," said YSU spokesperson, Ron Cole.

But as the university readies its new master plan a spokesperson for the faculty union says they are feeling left out since they've provided information about their programs a while ago but haven't heard anything. They are concerned about their jobs.

"We've gone through this process. Everything has been submitted but we haven't received any feedback or even the minimal amount of feedback of 'here's where we are. We will be getting back to you in the next several weeks.' That hasn't been done. We are very much in the dark about what the next step is in the whole process," said YSU OEA spokesperson, Mark Vopat.

Cole says the university will eventually ask for feedback from faculty, students and the community but they aren't at that point just yet. No timetable has been given.