Since the Board of Trustees declaration of financial exigency on April 4 considerable work has been conducted on curricular restructure and operational budget adjustments to realign the College, reduce the deficit, and create a viable path forward. At the same time, Northland students, faculty, and staff have been working diligently as they conclude Winter Term, complete final exams, and finish end-of-semester projects.
The process to define a future for Northland is critical and the Board is deeply appreciative of everyone’s intensive efforts. The Board recognizes the urgency and need for clarity and provides the following update.
Below is an overview of progress since last week’s communication which covered financial exigency, why the Board chose that path, and what the process entails.
Meaningful Progress
On April 12, Faculty Council approved a curricular proposal that the Faculty Ad Hoc Exigency Committee submitted to the Chair of the Board and the President, today, April 16. The proposal outlines a revised set of academic programs that are aligned with Northland’s mission, address enrollment demand, and are financially feasible. The draft plan would require Northland to end some of the existing academic programs and respective courses.
The Operations and Budget Committee has also conducted a comprehensive analysis into the College’s operating expenses and leadership of this committee has been meeting regularly with the President. Together, they have identified areas to streamline and reduce expenses that would free up critical funds for both the short and long term.
The Board and College leadership have been collaborating with the committees to answer questions, share information, and offer feedback, attending several meetings since Wednesday April 8.
Fundraising efforts continue with individual donors and foundations to help bridge the deficit for the remaining academic year and garner support for a path forward.
What’s Next?
By April 17, the Faculty Ad Hoc Exigency Committee and the Operations and Budget Committee will have submitted their proposals to the Chair of the Board and the President, which will subsequently go to the full Board of Trustees.
The Board will convene to review and evaluate the proposals. For the College to remain open, these proposals will need to demonstrate a significantly reduced deficit in the short-term and a compelling, financially feasible and sustainable model for the long-term.
The Board extends tremendous gratitude for the incredible amount of work that has been done, especially under a short timeline. Much work is still to come in the next few days and updates will be provided as progress develops.
Sincerely,
Ted Bristol, Chair
Northland College Board of Trustees
