Buffalo State University cuts more than 30 programs

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Buffalo State University will eliminate more than 30 programs in an effort it says to “capitalize on the university’s academic strengths, manage costs and meet the changing needs of students.”

In a press release shared Thursday, Buffalo State shared its new plan to address the university’s $16.5 million structural deficit.

“I am confident that our Buffalo State University community can both ensure our long-term financial sustainability while continuing to do what we do best: providing a high-quality educational experience for our students.” , declared interim President Durand.

The university hopes that with these new plans, it will be able to reposition itself to benefit from better opportunities for long-term financial and institutional health.

“With the support of historic levels of state investment, Interim President Durand has presented a thoughtful, well-planned vision for Buffalo State that balances difficult but necessary choices with creative thinking, placing the university in the best possible position to achieve long-term financial health. and growth,” said SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr. “A strong Buffalo State is essential to ensuring a strong SUNY system. Interim President Durand and the Buffalo State community have my full support as they work to secure a brighter future for the institution and, more importantly, our students.

“As an active and supportive alumna, I am proud and confident in Interim President Durand’s leadership, strategic vision and financial management to address the university’s existing $16.5 million deficit,” said New York State Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes. “Buffalo State is a critical regional institution for education and employment. With SUNY’s continued support, I believe the ongoing internal rightsizing will prepare Buffalo State University for long-term financial health and success.

“The Financial Sustainability Framework plan presented by Interim President Bonita Durand inspires confidence in the long-term future of the State University at Buffalo and the impact it will continue to have on the city of Buffalo and Western New York. This is the right leadership at the right time for Buffalo State,” said New York State Senator Sean Ryan. “I had the pleasure of joining my colleagues in the New York State Legislature to work with Governor Hochul toward a continued financial commitment to SUNY and its institutions across New York State .

The plan is in collaboration with SUNY experts and the shared governance structure. They hope this will strengthen the following:

• The university’s strategic vision is to capitalize on areas in which Buffalo State excels, such as:
• Create new teacher education pathways to help address the teacher shortage in New York State;
• Fostering STEM programs focused on applied learning to make Buffalo State a key anchor of Upstate New York’s SMART I-Corridor Technology Hub;
• Leverage Buffalo’s place as an epicenter of arts, culture and tourism to strengthen arts and hospitality programs;
• Restarting a pipeline that prepares Buffalo State students to seamlessly pursue their Ph.D. through the University at Buffalo;
• Established Buffalo State’s first doctorate in creative studies, under consideration by SUNY.

The release also states that “enrollment at Buffalo State has declined 42 percent over the past decade. However, the campus saw an increase in first-time undergraduate enrollment in fall 2023, which is a hopeful sign. In Western New York’s educational landscape, the plan calls for continued intensive recruiting through local opportunities such as an Early Middle College agreement with Buffalo Public Schools, as well as outreach to high-growth areas of the state like New York City. focuses on student retention through support programs like Roar 2 Success and a revised academic advising structure.

“Interim President Bonita Durand has developed a plan, created in collaboration with many stakeholders at Buffalo State University, that builds on the high standards of this institution,” said Linda Dobmeier, President of the Buffalo State Council. “Buffalo State will continue to be recognized as a university that supports its students and develops them into leaders who can positively impact our region and our state.”

The cuts to 37 degree programs are listed as:

• African American Studies, B.S.
• Biology Teaching, Certificate (42 credit hours)
• Biology Education, Certificate (36 credit hours)
• Chemistry, MA
• Chemistry Education, MSEd.
• Chemistry Education, Certificate (42 credit hours)
• Chemistry Education, Certificate (36 credit hours)
• Dance, minor
• Design, B.S.
• Early Childhood Education, MSEd.
• Early Childhood Education, B.S.
• Foreign Language Teaching, MSEd.
• French and Francophone culture, minor
• French education, B.S.
• French education, certificate
• Italian, minor
• Literacy specialist, ages 5-12, MPS
• Physics, MA
• Physical Education, Certificate (42 credit hours)
• Physical Education, Certificate (36 credit hours)
• Applied and Computational Professional Mathematics, MS
• Professional French, minor
• Spanish Education, B.S.
• Spanish education, certificate
• Special Studies, B.S.
• Urban Education, MS
• Urban Studies, BA

Ten additional programs are under consideration for deactivation by spring 2025:

• Applied Mathematics, BS
• Ethics, minor
• Gerontology, minor
• GIS, minor
• Mathematical logic, certificate
• Non-Spanish and Chinese concentrations, certificate
• Engraving, minor
• Etching concentration, BFA and BA concentrations
• Religious studies, minor
• Insurance statistics, certificate

To learn more, visit suny.buffalostate.edu