ORONO, Maine — The University of Maine Faculty Senate on Wednesday voted to eliminate the master of arts in teaching Spanish and suspend the medical laboratory sciences bachelor’s degree, citing low enrollment and ongoing budget challenges.
The elimination of the Spanish master’s program, which the senate noted was the only such degree in the University of Maine System, passed overwhelmingly. College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Dean Emily Haddad said enrollment for the program had ranged from zero to three students annually over the past five years. She added that the degree did not offer a pathway for teacher licensure, limiting its appeal.
“It’s unfortunate for the reasons that were articulated at the senate meeting,” Haddad said. “But it’s also an appropriate decision based on the demand for the program.”
Students will still be able to study Spanish at the undergraduate level, with minor enrollment described as “very healthy” and major enrollment “steady.” Haddad said she does not foresee reopening a Spanish master’s degree in the future.
The medical laboratory sciences bachelor’s degree was suspended for three years. Mary Jean Sedlock, a faculty senate member who co-chairs the Program Creation and Reorganization Review Committee, said the program has not been enrolling students for a number of years. After the suspension period, the program will be reviewed for possible elimination.
Changes to both programs will require additional review and ultimately approval from the University of Maine System Board of Trustees to take effect. No faculty positions or departments will be eliminated as a result, according to Mary Jean Sedlock.
The votes are part of a broader budgeting and strategic planning process at the university system. In December, officials announced 7 percent across-the-board budget cuts to address an $18 million shortfall projected for the next fiscal year. University of Maine System spokesperson Samantha Warren said the cuts are typically initiated by faculty and that required courses or substitutions are offered to help existing students complete their degrees.
The board of trustees approved 10 other program suspensions and eliminations within the past fiscal year at various campuses, including degrees in cybersecurity, English, liberal arts, and French.
Despite the financial pressures, the system reported its highest enrollment since 2021 this fall, with 25,870 students. For the next school year, the system has accepted 26,164 students, though the final enrollment number remains uncertain.
A full budget proposal for the 2027 fiscal year is scheduled for public release next week.
This article is based on reporting by Kristian Moravec of The Maine Monitor, distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press.