STEVENS POINT, WI (WSAU) — Declining enrollment at UWSP is leading to even more budget problems, according to a recent report from USA Today Wisconsin.
The University reported its smallest enrollment in some 40 years with 7,725 students taking classes this year. This year’s number also represents a 20 percent drop over the last five years.
The dip in enrollment is due to a stronger job market, more students graduating in four years, and declining enrollment at Wisconsin high schools.
Officials say each student represents around $6,600 into the school’s coffers. The downturn in enrollment has also meant a depletion of the school’s reserve funds, which sat at $15.6 million in 2012 but now hold just under two million dollars.
This comes as University officials consider a restructuring of the school’s course offerings which would eliminate some liberal arts courses along with smaller major offerings as a means of balancing the budget and making the University more sustainable. News of that has caused protests among students and community members over the course of the summer.
RELATED: UWSP proposes major restructuring as enrollment, budgets decline
Additionally, the school is reportedly considering staff cuts of up to 60 or 70 full-time positions. An announcement on those cuts could come before month’s end.
