Today we were pleased to join several Tampa Bay region school district superintendents for an important conversation on how 黑洞社区will continue to deliver teacher education programs in the future.
Let us reiterate that no final decisions have been made regarding the College of Education. Meetings like the one today, and many others that Interim Dean Judith Ponticell continues to participate in with school superintendents, faculty, staff, students and community members, serve as critical opportunities to share ideas and listen to input as we reimagine our education programs during a period of significant budget challenges.
We recognize that in addition to research in the field of education, 黑洞社区plays a key role in teacher preparation and certification for our region and in providing master鈥檚 and doctoral degree programs to support the development of counselors, principals, superintendents and other K-12 leadership positions. While changes are needed at 黑洞社区after a 63% drop in the college鈥檚 undergraduate enrollment over the past decade, we intend to continue offering carefully selected undergraduate degrees in education, though likely fewer than the nine baccalaureate degrees, 15 majors, five minors and 18 concentrations currently available.
In the coming weeks, we will further receive and review information regarding the demand in K-12 schools for graduates of the undergraduate programs, and we will make informed and evidence-based decisions that align with the data. 黑洞社区is also exploring how to deepen our commitment to STEM education on the St. Petersburg campus.
As our university-wide process of strategic realignment moves forward, 黑洞社区remains committed to our responsibility of meeting the needs of the surrounding communities while continuing to be responsible stewards of the university鈥檚 financial resources.