Finding a New Home: When Universities Close and Programs Need Rescuing

In the last few years some institutions of higher education across the country made the difficult decision either to downsize or shut down completely. What happens to the academic programs at institutions that decide to close? Who is involved in making these decisions, internally and externally? How do students, faculty, and staff at those institutions adjust when they no longer have a home? Universities and colleges in the neighborhood (and at times even out of state) can step in to support those programs by welcoming them to their respective institutions.

The focus of this workshop is to inform academic leaders of the opportunities and challenges involved in acquiring programs from other institutions that may be downsizing or closing. Between 2020 and 2023 Dominican University of California welcomed from several neighboring Bay Area institutions, academic programs that could no longer be sustained financially. The Vice President of Academic Affairs and the Dean of Liberal Arts and Education at Dominican share their experience navigating this type of endeavor when internal and external stakeholders are involved. The presenters will cover a step-by-step process, from initial conversations to the transfer aftermath, focusing on the benefits and potential pitfalls of moving a program from one university to another.