PennWest review aims to make programs stronger; some existing could 'sunset'

The goal of an ongoing review of academic programs at Pennsylvania Western University is to ensure offerings meet area workforce demands in a way that’s sustainable to the college, said James Fisher, interim provost and vice president of academic affairs.

PennWest, a state-owned university comprising campuses in California, Clarion and Edinboro, is evaluating every major, minor, concentration and certificate as part of a comprehensive review, Fisher said.

“The goal is to further strengthen the student academic experience,” Fisher said.

Final recommendations will be announced in December and implementation will begin in the Spring 2026 semester, Fisher said.

It’s likely that some programs will “sunset,” or be phased out, Fisher said. But students currently enrolled in affected programs would complete their degrees without disruption.

“They will be able to take that program and graduate from it seamlessly,” Fisher said.

There also could be programs added, he said.

“It’s not so much a program goes away, it evolves into a different program, greatly refocused to meet workforce needs,” he said.

PennWest, like virtually every other college, is facing various pressures financially and demographically that will only get tighter as time progresses.

Overall enrollment decreased 2.6% this fall over last year, to a total of 10,548 students. That was the smallest reduction figure at PennWest, or at the three campuses before they merged in 2022, in the past 15 years, officials previously said

The university also reported gains in online and dual enrollment, where high school students can earn college credit before graduating high school.

Employee layoffs

Earlier this week, PennWest acknowledged it will furlough some employees at its California and Clarion campuses. A union representing employees claimed PennWest will furlough more than a dozen employees on Nov. 16.

Fisher said the program review incorporates feedback from students, faculty and staff. Updated programs will strengthen students’ abilities to be not only career ready but also career-adaptable, he said.

“You want to make sure students come away with solid, transferable skills,” he said.

PennWest plans to streamline programs where appropriate, which in turn could create more predictable student schedules; make it easier for transfer students to roll over credits; and streamline the process for students to get a supplemental credential, minor, certificate or double major, Fisher said.

“By doing this, it’s going to make us even more competitive,” Fisher said. “The goal is to serve our mission and when you do that, that produces good outcomes.”

Fisher believes that, once implemented, PennWest will realize improved enrollment and retention rates.

“We feel very good about our place in the market right now,” Fisher said. “When you focus on optimizing the student experience, good things happen.”