In an effort to address a multimillion-dollar deficit projected for fiscal year 2027, St. Norbert College has begun the process of cutting several academic programs and terminating faculty with severance. Twenty-one positions will be cut this year and six next year, college officials told the Green Bay Press-Gazette last week.
St. Norbert had declared a process called “retrenchment” last May. Officials said retrenchment, which allows the institution to terminate tenured faculty, is an essential step to ensure the long-term financial strength of the college.
“This process involves a strategic review of our programs and operations with a focus on preserving our core traditions: Catholic, Norbertine, and liberal arts,” President Laurie Joyner said in a January 2025 email to the university community. “We are unwavering in our commitment to our mission, which is why every student will still be required to take courses across a broad range of disciplines spanning the humanities, arts, natural sciences, and social sciences.”
According to plans released last week, 21 faculty positions will be cut this year and six next year. The 20 academic programs that will be eliminated include:
- Applied math (major)
- Art education (major)
- Earth science – geology (major)
- Earth science – environmental geology (major)
- Engineering physics (major)
- French and Francophone studies (major and minor)
- General chemistry (major)
- History (major)
- International studies (major)
- Physics (major and minor)
- Spanish (major)
- Studio art (major and minor)
- Theatre studies (major and minor)
- Theology and religious studies (major and minor)
- Theoretical math (major)
All currently declared majors and minors in the above disciplines will be able to complete their programs, the college said.
