IPFW faculty, students upset by plan to drop degree programs

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (AP) - Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne's plan to eliminate several degree programs and departments has sparked an outcry from faculty and students who said they feel betrayed.

School leaders announced the restructuring Tuesday, the Lafayette Journal & Courier (http://on.jconline.com/2et1XlM ) reported.

Under the plan, the women's studies, philosophy and geology department would be eliminated by Jan. 1. Degree programs in French and German have been suspended, and other departments will be merged.

Officials said the changes are expected to save $1.1 million a year. Faculty and students argued that many of the changes won't generate enough savings to justify the cuts.

Jeff Malanson, presiding officer of the faculty senate, said the plan has angered, upset and saddened faculty and students.

"I think the university is going to be a really angry, depressed place, to a certain extent," said Malanson.

Students and faculty have organized online petitions as well as a rally and "teach-in" on campus next week to protest the changes.

"I personally feel so blindsided by it," said Janet Badia, director and professor of women's studies. "There's a sort of feeling of trauma."

It is not yet clear how the how jobs on campus will be affected by the changes.

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Information from: Journal and Courier, http://www.jconline.com