Wenatchee Valley College cuts programs amid state budget shortfall

WENATCHEE — When money is tight, all good things must come to an end. And unfortunately, the state budget shortfall is affecting more than just services provided directly by the state. Many colleges that get funding from Washington’s general fund or education fund are facing the same difficult choices that Wenatchee Valley College has had to contend with in light of the state’s $12 billion funding deficit.

After collaborating with the Faculty Budget and Program Review Taskforce, administrators at the school set out a list of recommendations for suspensions of programs and courses. Those include:

• Bachelor of Applied Science program in Engineering Technology
• Music Direct Transfer Major Related Program
• Transitional Studies/English Language Learning Level A and B courses
• Drama and Theater
• Bachelor of Applied Science program for Teaching
• Machining
• Graphic Design
• Natural Resources, specifically the Associate of Applied Science Transfer Degree

The college will continue to provide a “pathway” for Natural Resources within the general transfer degree program.

The school is also facing some staffing changes as a result of cost-cutting efforts. A Sustainability position that was funded by a grant that has now expired will be suspended unless further grant money can be found, and a counseling position at the school will face the same fate when the grant for that expires at the end of the fiscal year.

Administrators took into consideration enrollment, student demand, transfer and employment outcomes, cost-effectiveness and potential for alternative pathways to serve student needs when deciding on these recommendations. Some discipline-specific courses and certificates will be retained as electives.

Coordinated efforts between programs and Deans are working to identify alternatives for already-enrolled students to ensure that they are able to complete their studies. The school is even considering some non-credit training programs to meet employment needs.

Dr. Tod Treat, the Vice President of Instruction, said in a statement, “While we have done everything we can to minimize the impact of program changes on faculty, staff, and students,

this is a painful time for our community as these are valued colleagues, friends, mentors, and community members.”

Moving forward, Treat said, the school would set goals and improve efficiency with an eye toward increased enrollment and improved student retention and progression.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media