As part of its strategic planning process, Fairleigh Dickinson University has been reviewing all its offerings to determine where best to allocate resources to strengthen select programs and to increase alignment with student demand. Following an extensive review and consultation with faculty, FDU has decided to discontinue a number of programs on the New Jersey campuses and will soon work to develop a newly organized academic structure. These changes will help the University better focus on student needs and areas targeted for growth.
While the University will continue to offer a range of academic programs, there will be a particular focus on those programs that set the groundwork for student success in high-demand sectors. FDU’s path forward will emphasize transformational opportunities for learners that align with and address critical workforce needs in professionally focused areas, with a special emphasis on programs in demand including those in health sciences, health-related fields, and professional programs that are career-focused.
These changes recognize that higher education institutions — especially private universities like FDU — cannot continue to offer programs that appeal to every subject of interest. We cannot be all things to all people. We need to be more focused and invest better in selected programs to ensure their success. This will allow us to respond successfully to increased competitiveness among institutions of higher education for a shrinking pool of college-age students. In order not only to survive as an institution, but also to thrive, FDU must focus on these programs and invest more in them, in our infrastructure, and most of all, in addressing our students’ needs and desires.
The discontinuance of academic programs that met the criteria for discontinuance will realize significant savings for the University but more importantly will help better define the focus of the institution and provide more targeted resources for programs to grow and develop.
FDU will cease enrolling new students in the discontinued programs effective immediately; however, FDU will be taking appropriate measures so that students currently enrolled and progressing in these programs will be provided with the necessary support and options to complete their studies and earn a degree in their area of interest. FDU’s current plans include continuing affected programs through June 30, 2027, and establishing teach-out programs as needed. Academic advisors are available for students enrolled in the affected programs to provide guidance and explore options to enable students to achieve their educational goals.
While planning for these changes, the institution has taken many efforts to minimize the impact on students and full-time faculty and staff. Our sense of community is what has enabled this institution to flourish for nearly a century and we are guided toward the future with a longstanding culture of compassion, cohesiveness and collaboration.