What is academic planning retrenchment?
Academic planning retrenchment is a formal process that must be authorized by the UA System Board of Trustees and allows, among other things, major reallocation of resources for academic and student support services. Throughout this process, UA Little Rock will be examining programs for cost effectiveness, viability, relevance to the community and workforce needs, and support of our urban mission.
Why is the university doing this?
You are enrolled at UA Little Rock at a time when the higher education landscape is changing rapidly. A combination of flat state funding and a decline in enrollment has required us to make tough decisions about how to remain competitive in the future. Through academic planning retrenchment, UA Little Rock can make responsible business decisions to emerge as a stronger, more focused and competitive university.
Will I still be able to graduate if my program is eliminated or reduced?
Yes. If your program is affected by retrenchment, it will be “taught out.” Teach-outs ensure that all currently admitted students are guaranteed the opportunity to complete their programs within a reasonable timeframe.
If I have a scholarship tied to a program affected by retrenchment, will I lose my scholarship?
No. Scholarships previously awarded to students will not be lost due to retrenchment. Students who continue to meet the eligibility for a scholarship (grade point average requirement, credit requirement, etc.) will continue to receive the scholarship. Student success is a critical priority for the university, and a student’s financial aid package, including scholarships, is an integral part of ensuring student success. Additional scholarships were made available to students during spring 2020, and the university is planning to allocate additional scholarships for fall 2020.
When will we know what programs will be affected by this process?
An update on academic planning retrenchment will be presented at the next meeting of the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees, which is scheduled for March 18-19, 2020. The Board of Trustees will vote on a proposal for retrenchment no later than its meeting on May 20-21, 2020.
How can I give input to the planning process?
There are a number of ways that students can provide feedback in the process:
- Use the Contact Us form on the Provost’s website. (These messages go directly to the provost and the academic planning team.)
- Email the Dean of Students at deanofstudents@ualr.edu
- Use the Improve UA Little Rock form. (These messages go to the Provost’s Office.)
- Talk to your Student Government Association or Graduate Student Association representatives
- Attend open forums (to be announced)
Whom should I contact if I have more questions?
- Use the Contact Us form on the Provost’s website. (These messages go directly to the provost and the academic planning team.)
- Email the Dean of Students at deanofstudents@ualr.edu
- Use the Improve UA Little Rock form. (These messages go to the Provost’s Office.)
Anonymous feedback is welcome, but if you provide your name and email, you will receive a response.
Although the retrenchment process is challenging, I want you to know we are receiving encouraging feedback and support from our community, our alumni, our Board of Visitors, and the UA System Board of Trustees. We will emerge Trojan Strong!
