October 23, 2024 | Jessica McBride, PhD - College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources

A Message to the CAHNR Community on Low Completion/Enrollment Academic Programs

From Dean Indrajeet Chaubey on CAHNR academic programs

WB Young Building

WB Young Building (Milton Levin/UConn Photo)

To the CAHNR Community,

After recent coverage of UConn’s ongoing process to review academic programs with low completion and/or enrollment, we have heard from many of you with questions and concerns. We write today to respond to those questions and clarify the potential impact on CAHNR programs.

First and foremost, we want to reassure students that the College’s existing academic programs will continue without disruption. CAHNR’s unique experiential learning opportunities in animal science, plant science, human health, resource economics, and the environment provide our alumni with specialized skills and are central to UConn’s land grant mission.

As an institution that seeks to make data-driven decisions to align our programs with student and community needs, we regularly analyze and evolve academic offerings. This may mean adding new majors, renaming existing majors, consolidating programs, etc.

In press coverage, incorrect statements were made about some CAHNR programs flagged as having low completion/enrollment. For example, it was stated that Animal Science was below the threshold for review. The Department of Animal Science graduated 400 students in the 5-year review window and is thus not below the threshold. Similarly, Horticulture, Turfgrass, and Soil Science were highlighted as “no enrollment,” which is true because they are no longer active majors. However, they are still offered as concentrations within the active Sustainable Plant & Soil Systems/Plant Science major. Certain programs have intentionally lower enrollment due to accreditation requirements or to meet specific program aims.

To reiterate information provided by University leadership earlier this week, UConn is not directing that any programs under review be closed or that any majors be ended.

This remains true for CAHNR programs. The College is taking advantage of this opportunity to thoughtfully consider strategies to adapt, evolve, and update our programs, if needed, to ensure student success, robust professional opportunities, and responsible use of resources.

Please do not hesitate to connect with your department or CAHNR’s Office of Academic Programs if you have additional questions or concerns.

We thank you for your continued support of UConn and CAHNR.

Sincerely,

Indrajeet Chaubey
Dean and Director