Cuts to more than a dozen degree programs will affect only about 30 University of Saint Francis students, officials said Monday.

The private Catholic university announced it will ax 15 bachelor's, master's and associate degree programs, including political science, forensic chemistry and mental health counseling.

The cuts take effect next year and were spurred by strategic planning and efforts “to be proactive in responding to the talent needs of our community and student academic interests,” university officials said in a news release.

Saint Francis will discontinue two master's degree programs in Fort Wayne and one at its Crown Point campus. Eleven bachelor's degree programs will be slashed, along with one associate degree program.

Seven minors will be eliminated.

The university's board of trustees approved the moves in a meeting last week.

“Making decisions on academic programs is very difficult, but also necessary to address the current and future interests of USF students,” university President Sister M. Elise Kriss said. “These decisions were made with extensive discussion, research and input from administration, faculty, staff and students, as well as outside consultants. With the many opportunities and challenges facing higher education, successful universities must have the foresight to make necessary changes to thrive in this competitive environment.”

Eleven faculty members in the targeted areas will remain employed through May 15, 2020, a staff member's position was cut and “some vacant faculty and staff openings will not be filled,” the university announced.

Affected workers will receive a package that includes severance pay, “outplacement services, counseling and the extension of the education benefit through degree completion for currently enrolled faculty and dependents,” according to a statement.

One faculty member contacted by The Journal Gazette declined to comment, saying professors had been instructed to refer questions to university spokesman Reggie Hayes.

About 2,250 students are enrolled at Saint Francis, and university officials said those affected by the cuts will be able to earn degrees in their chosen fields. It's not clear whether courses in programs that were cut will be taught by adjunct faculty.

“USF will provide courses and degree plans for any currently declared majors to complete their degree,” Hayes said.

That's of little comfort to at least one student – a 21-year-old senior studying art history with a minor in museum studies.

The woman requested her name not be used because she fears disciplinary action or that speaking out will be held against her when she applies to graduate schools.

The art history major is among programs on the chopping block, and she chose USF because of the university's close ties to the Fort Wayne Museum of Art. Emails she provided to The Journal Gazette show the university was working to prepare students for potential cuts in September.

“I liked this program,” she said, using the word “heartbreaking” several times to describe her feelings. “I liked all the opportunities that were here. It's heartbreaking, truly, to know that everything you're passionate about, the school isn't.”

An email signed Sept. 19 from Colleen Huddleson, dean of the School of Creative Arts, encourages students to contact academic advisers and career development officials with questions.

Cuts came from strategic planning discussions, according to the university, not financial constraints. Saint Francis will continue to offer degree programs in dozens of areas including business, health sciences, creative arts, chemistry and theology.

“USF's strategic plan called for a review of all academic and non-academic program offerings to determine how best to allocate our human and financial resources to further our mission as a Catholic, Franciscan university,” said Kriss, who will retire June 30.

Minors will be kept for five programs – art history, history, museum studies, philosophy and mathematics. An associate degree for ministry also will be kept.

Officials are considering adding programs including doctoral degrees in business administration and physical therapy. A master's degree program in art therapy and bachelor's programs in engineering and logistics/e-commerce also are being considered, the news release states.

“The press release lists some examples being considered, but there is further study to be done,” Hayes said. “Any additions would be implemented over the next two to three years.”

Non-academic programs – “anything serving students that are not related to academic instruction,” Hayes said – also will be evaluated. Recommendations will be presented to the board in January.

mleblanc@jg.net