West Virginia University makes wide-ranging cuts to academic programs and faculty

By LEAH WILLINGHAM and JOHN RABY
Associated Press

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — West Virginia University has given final approval to wide-ranging cuts in academic programs and faculty positions. The university is addressing a $45 million budget shortfall. The university Board of Governors voted Friday to drop 28 of its majors, or about 8%. It will also cut 147 of the faculty positions, or around 5%, on its Morgantown campus. Among the cuts are one-third of education department faculty and the entire world language department. Dozens of speakers, including students and faculty, vehemently opposed the cuts during a public hearing Thursday before the board.