RIC to suspend enrollment of 20 programs, outlined in “P&E” report

Olivia Barone

Editor in Chief

A 32 page document released by Rhode Island College’s Office of Provost consists of plans to suspend twenty majors in the fall semester, ranging across multiple departments. Every program listed was given a rationale as to why they should be suspended by their respective department. Consequently, each department has until Oct. 15 2025, to submit their proposed changes, the effects of which will take place immediately. 

Photo by Kelcy Conroy

On April 16 2025, President Jack Warner publicly released the report, although many students had already received access to the report as it circulated on social media the day prior. The report occurred as a result of a “thorough Program Productivity and Efficiency Process,” in which the objective was to “identify program contributions, shortcomings, and challenges as well as opportunities for innovation and improvement aimed at enhancing the upward mobility of RIC students and graduates…” 

The document explained that key outcomes of the Productivity and Efficiency (P&E) report included “the suspension of enrollment in 20 programs or concentrations effective fall 2025; the consolidation of 15 programs or concentrations and the continuation of 21 programs or concentrations contingent on an approved program improvement plan.” 

The entire report, linked here, specifies the programs as listed above and gives each an explanation for its suggested change. However, the primary concern and reason for backlash among students lies in the programs that are eligible for suspension come fall 2025. These programs include: 

1. Art Education BFA

2. Art Education MA

3. Art History BA

4. English MA (Creative Writing)

5. Gender Studies BA

6. Global Studies BA

7. Health Sciences- Respiratory Therapy

8. Health Sciences- Dental Hygiene

9. Liberal Studies BA

10. Modern Languages BA in Francophone Studies

11. Modern Languages BA in French

12. Modern Languages BA in Latin American Studies

13. Modern Languages BA in Portuguese

14. Music Education MED

15. Elementary Ed. MED Early Childhood Education

16. Secondary Ed. BA General Science

17. Technology Education BS in Teaching 

18. Technology Education BS in Applied Technology

19. World Languages BA in French

20. World Languages BA in Portuguese

It is important to note that both the report and President Warner in his email, highlighted the implementation of a “teach-out,” which states that all students will complete the program they are currently enrolled in as planned. No students enrolled at RIC will be forced out of their major, minor or current academic plan before they graduate. 

To remain up-to-date on the pending P&E report, The Anchor posts every Monday.