Like most colleges and universities throughout the United States, FAMU is taking an inward look at its academic programs/structure, reviewing administrative and business processes as a means to cope with dwindling state resources.
Sadly, state budget cuts and dwindling federal and private resources are not unique to Florida or FAMU. Because of the worldwide economic downturn Florida has been forced to reduce its budget every year since 2007. Many other Florida universities underwent similar self examinations and program, faculty/staff reductions at the onset of state budget reductions.
Around the nation, just this year, Gallaudet , with a student body of roughly 2,500, announced plans to eliminate 17 programs, six undergraduate majors, six undergraduate minors, three master’s degree programs, one educational specialist program, and one doctoral program will be affected. The University of California Berkeley, with a student body of 35,800, announced plans to lay off nearly 150 employees by June. It will also eliminate an equal number of jobs through other means, such as retirements and voluntary departures. This will be Berkeley's third such round of layoffs in as many years.
When it comes to the painful self examination and retooling process that FAMU faces, once again we're "late to the party".
Toward a better FAMU
FAMU's restructuring is much more than a top to bottom review of academic programs, but also a reinvestment in processes that will allow FAMU to function better, smarter, and meets the needs of its students and faculty. Students and alumni, alike, bemoan the fact that FAMU is behind the curve in leveraging technology. One of the aims of this restructuring and reinvestment exercise will be to address that. For once, wouldn't it be nice for students and alums requesting transcripts or paying outstanding fees or needing other routine services from FAMU to go online rather than get in line?
Now, we realize certain paper-pushers whose job functions may be taken over by technology will be the main ones kicking and screaming the loudest. But, trustees must not allow these naysayers who are only concerned with their own self interest to stand in the way of this much needed change in culture and processes to bring FAMU into the 21st Century.