Program discontinuance at colleges and universities is often linked to issues of program demand and quality. However, neither low demand nor low quality is sufficient for program discontinuance without a judgment on the criterion of the centrality of the program to the institution's core mission. Colleges' retrenchment and survival mechanisms…

Issues faced by institutions in many countries in a time of declining funding and increasing demands on higher education are discussed, including national and local academic planning approaches, institutional responsiveness to societal and industry demands, and problems inherent in program discontinuance. (Report of a May 1982 international OECD…

Substantial changes made in the college of education of the University of Tulsa, an urban private university, in the wake of declining enrollment and general questioning of institutional mission are chronicled, including the elimination of all but three programs and development of certification components in two areas. (MSE)

Most administrators approach program reduction as a budget issue; in reality, it is a governance and planning issue of major importance for the 1980s. Steps in a planning process for program discontinuance (including pitfalls) are described, based on a national study supported by the Exxon Foundation. (Author/LB)

The program planning and review activities of the California Postsecondary Education Commission and the public segments for 1981-1982 are summarized. In addition, recommendations for segmental action for the 1981-1982 year are offered. Information is provided on the number of proposals for new programs for the University of California (the…

The planning process, objectives, and procedures used by Duke's chancellor during the retrenchment process are summarized. The emphasis was placed on enhancing the university's strengths while reducing costs and on enlisting faculty support and assistance in the change process. (MSE)