Portland Community College (PCC) is set to eliminate three academic programs and reduce class offerings in others as part of efforts to address a substantial budget shortfall.
This decision was confirmed by the college’s spokesperson, James Hill, in a statement to The Oregonian/OregonLive.
The affected programs include Russian language courses and two career and technical education programs: music and sonic arts, which integrates sound, music, and technology, as well as gerontology, the study of aging and older adults.
Alongside these cuts, other programs, such as art, will see a reduction in the number of classes available.
PCC is contending with a nearly $15 million shortfall going into the 2025-27 budget biennium.
Following a comprehensive assessment of 92 programs, the college requested that 14 programs conduct self-audits and suggest modifications, including class reductions.
The administration subsequently made the final decisions on which cuts would take place.
Hill noted that some courses in gerontology and music and sonic arts might be integrated into remaining sociology and music programs; however, the exact extent of this integration and its impact on part-time faculty remains uncertain at this stage.
“We are still very early on in the process,” Hill wrote.
He indicated that a clearer picture of the potential ramifications for part-time faculty will emerge as the self-study programs implement their plans.
PCC is not alone in grappling with budgetary constraints, as other higher education institutions in Oregon report similar issues.
The University of Oregon, for instance, laid off 42 staff members last month and is considering further cuts.
Additionally, Portland State University announced the layoff of 17 faculty members six months ago.
The rationale for the reductions at PCC points to factors such as increasing operational costs, inadequate state funding, and a decline in enrollment that has persisted since the pandemic.
Hill suggested that further cuts may still be necessary in the future.
Yvette Rosales, the lead steward for the faculty union, expressed concern regarding the decision to cut programs that serve students rather than targeting cuts in administrative salaries.
According to Hill, reductions to administrative personnel are included in the overall budget strategy, with management salaries expected to decrease by approximately 1.6% in the upcoming budget cycle.
Earlier this year, PCC faced scrutiny from state Sen. Lew Frederick, who criticized the college’s board regarding its governance practices, the treatment of campus unions, and a 14% pay increase awarded to President Adrien Bennings despite the challenges facing the institution.
Hill clarified that Bennings’ salary is not part of the planned managerial pay reductions.
Concerns have been raised among faculty members regarding the manner in which the program cuts were implemented, with some describing the process as hurried and lacking transparency.
Rosales commented, “Across the board, faculty have raised concerns about how the self-study process was manufacturing consent for these pre-decided decisions.”
Part-time instructor Mary Kadderly from the music and sonic arts program contested the reasoning behind the program’s closure.
The college justified the cuts by stating the program lacked sufficient data to demonstrate that a degree or certificate was necessary for employment in the field.
However, Kadderly argued that the program satisfies a unique community need.
She remarked, “It takes away this unique niche that we serve.
Our students are non-traditional. They don’t want to go to a traditional music department.”
Despite the cuts, Kadderly and Rosales pointed out the growing interest in the music and sonic arts program, which saw its enrollment tripling from 2021 to 2024, culminating in 78 graduates in 2024.
Rosales voiced her concern that by eliminating programs, the college may be jeopardizing students’ educational opportunities.
“I can’t get over them making decisions that come at the expense of our students,” Rosales stated.
The situation highlights the ongoing challenges that educational institutions face as they navigate budgetary constraints while striving to support student needs.
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