Elizabethtown College cutting staff, academic programs

LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) — Elizabethtown College announced earlier today that it will be cutting over a dozen staff positions in addition to dropping several majors and minors next year.

According to the college, earlier this week employees were notified of several reductions to its current academic programs, which will result in the loss of 13 full-time positions by the end of the current fiscal year.

Following the 2024-25 academic year, the college will no longer be offering the following programs:

• Fine Arts Major
• Sociology Major and Minor
• Spanish & Spanish Education Majors

The college says they will continue to offer courses in Spanish and Fine Arts to support students seeking those academic programs as a minor. Although other academic programs will see reductions in faculty, the college says degrees within those programs will not be impacted.

Currently enrolled students in these majors and minors will be notified of the changes, but will still be able to complete their intended programs.

“As student interests evolve, along with shifting demographics, and financial challenges, colleges and universities must adapt to the changing landscape and transform operations and academic delivery modes to remain competitive and appeal to a more selective audience than ever before,” E-Town College’s President Betty Rider & Interim Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs Matthew Telleen said in a letter. “By doing so, we will ensure a strong path forward that provides future students with an exceptional Etown education and student life experience.”

The college will be holding an informational meeting next week for all its impacted students.

abc27 news will keep you updated as more information becomes available.

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