Loyola cuts programs, jobs

National Catholic Reporter, June 2, 2006

NEW ORLEANS -- Loyola University's board of trustees approved May 19 a major restructuring plan in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, cutting a host of degree programs and 17 faculty positions as it prepares for lower enrollment next fall.

Loyola has done away with the entire education department, broadcast journalism, computer science and a master's program in communications, and suspended a dozen programs for two years.

Students already majoring in the dropped programs may finish their degrees, a spokesperson said, and courses in those subjects will likely still be offered.

The Jesuit university will consist of five newly established colleges and several schools within those colleges. City College, which serves adults and part-time students, was scrapped.

Loyola, which has 4,000 students and a $125 million operating budget, expects a $10 million deficit for the fiscal year ending July 31. The campus suffered more than $5 million in storm damage.