On April 20, Linfield University released the third REM proposal for the 2026 cycle. This comes as the school aims to reduce a $1.7 million deficit as part of the Balanced Budget Initiative. The second proposal, which was obtained by The Linfield Review, offered three pathways for potential ways to reduce the deficit. The third proposal was released without directly following any pathway from that proposal.
This proposal scaled back proposed cuts significantly. Recommended program changes only affect four majors. The Sports Economics major would be cut, History and Literature would become minors only and the Humanities and Policy track in Environmental Studies would be eliminated “to focus on science track.” The full proposal is available on Linfield Central.
It is unknown at this time which faculty positions would be cut under this proposal. The university has previously said they are not going to comment on which faculty will be affected.
These proposed changes were guided by three themes from faculty feedback from the second REM proposal. The first theme was a desire for the school’s strategy to be clear in how it archives Linfield’s mission. The second theme was a preference for one decisive action rather than slower changes that could take longer to complete. Finally, faculty wanted clear communication on criteria, explanations about constraints and consistency.
The proposal lists studio art, digital art, communication arts, environmental studies and philosophy as programs that could benefit from additional analysis. It also noted that masters program in Sports Science and Data Analytics, along with International Relations, would have one more year to build numbers.
“All programs will be reviewed annually based on a combination of metrics: student-to-faculty ratio, contribution margin, number of declared majors, admitted student interest, market trends, mission support, extracurricular participation, etc.,” the proposal says.
Multiple departments would also be combined under this proposal. Even if a department is combined, students can still enroll in individual programs just like they can now. For example, Law, Rights and Justice is under the Political Science Department but is its own major.
The proposal notes that no final decisions have been made.
While details are still being developed, five emerging themes are noted. These are sustainable program portfolios, thoughtful use of resources, taking opportunities for selective growth, renewing the promise of liberal arts and improving student experience.
More specifically, the theme regarding selective growth mentions potential opportunities. The list provided includes “data/AI.” At the March 20 town hall, the potential for an AI program or AI integration was brought up with many students being vocal in its opposition.
“If our students are coming out of the institution not knowing how to use AI or think about AI, we’re doing those students a disservice,” said President Mark Blegen at the time.
The proposal notes that these changes are coming at a time where higher education is at a large crossroads. A looming demographic cliff threatens declining enrollment until at least 2041. Policy changes during the Biden and Trump Administrations are not easing pressures at all. Notably the “Big Beautiful Bill” made a litany of changes to student loans and financial aid programs that could make enrollment harder for some.
Blegen has said repeatedly these changes are necessary to balance the university short term and provide long term stability and room for growth. Blegen closed an email to the Linfield community by stating that balancing the budget allows the school to thrive for another 168 years.
Final feedback from CAS faculty is due on May 4. Provost Beth Concepción and vice president of finance Mike Wenz will present the status of REM to the board of trustees on May 7. The final votes on the plan will be made over the summer.
