MANSFIELD, PA— As part of the plan to assure Mansfield University’s future sustainability, President Fran Hendricks has informed the local chapter of the 
Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties (APSCUF) that programmatic changes are being considered.
These changes could result in the consolidation or possible elimination of academic departments and offerings.
“These are difficult decisions affecting people’s lives and they are not taken lightly,” Hendricks said. “Our faculty and staff are all valuable to our University, but we must reinvent ourselves to meet the needs of our students and assure the future of our University.”
Discussions with APSCUF will take place in the weeks ahead. These discussions will assist the Cabinet in finalizing the best approach in implementing MU’s course of action.
Hendricks says that this action is not being initiated as part of the strategic review by the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education but findings from the study will be used by the University to position itself for the future.
In January, Chancellor Frank T. Brogan announced that the entire State System would be reviewed “to ensure the 14 state-owned universities are prepared to meet the needs of students and employers in every region of the Commonwealth.” The study is underway and is expected to be completed by late summer.
“We welcome the review and the opportunity it gives us to tell Mansfield’s story, “Hendricks said. “But we are preparing to make difficult decisions that must be made in order to ensure Mansfield’s future even before that review takes place.”
“For 160 years Mansfield has consistently risen to meet the challenges we have faced,” Hendricks added. “I am confident we will do the same to meet our current challenges and assure that our University will be positioned to serve the students of today and tomorrow, along with the Commonwealth and the Nation.”