Quincy University Restructures For Future Success
Quincy University announced today it will undergo a major academic and administrative
restructuring to position the University for future success. These changes come on the
heels of continuing paralysis in the State of Illinois as Quincy University students await
$1.2M in promised Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants.
Under the new University structure, Academic Affairs will be comprised of three schools:
School of Interdisciplinary and Liberal Studies, School of Education and the Sciences; and
the School of Business, Communication, and Information Technology. The new structure
will allow for the efficient management of interdisciplinary and general education offerings
and majors, lay the foundation for planned growth in the STEM field leading to careers in
research, industry and teaching; and align the interdisciplinary connections that already
exist between business, communications, and information technology as professions and
fields of study.
Dr. Ann Behrens, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Chair of the Innovations and
Efficiencies task force, explains, “The new model builds upon the significant strengths of
the individual disciplines within each school. It will allow for increased collaboration in
interdisciplinary courses and majors, provide oversight of general education requirements,
and make more streamlined course offerings possible.”
In addition, the Office of Student Engagement will merge with the Office of Enrollment
Management and Academic Support to provide for seamless coordination of the student
experience outside the classroom from enrollment to graduation. This restructuring does
not impact Athletics which will continue to work closely with both areas.
“Student engagement and success is about not only bringing students to Quincy, but
ensuring they have a positive experience and graduate on time. Bringing these two areas
together ensures that will happen.” said QU President Dr. Robert Gervasi.
A QU task force on Innovations and Efficiencies was appointed in December 2015 and
charged with finding innovative and efficient ways to reduce university expenses and
increase revenue. All operations of the University, such as but not limited to facilities,
projects and payroll, were considered with the overarching objective of maximizing
student success while minimizing cost.
The Quincy University Board of Trustees approved a budget savings plan which will result
in a net reduction in the University’s operating budgets of $1.75M from FY 2015-2016 to FY
2016-2017, a decrease of approximately 7%. Included in the budget reduction is $356K in
personnel cuts including the release of 7 full time positions, adjustment to contract lengths,
and a reduction in part-time positions. Five of the full time positions released are vacant
positions, and 2 will conclude at the end of May. No full time faculty positions were
affected, but 20 low-enrolled course sections will be eliminated in the 2016-17 Academic
Year.
“While the elimination of positions is always difficult, it is regrettably necessary to ensure
the University is on firm footing to serve our students well into the future,” said Gervasi.
The plan also calls for a $1M reduction in operational expenses, excluding academic
support and instruction. An additional $71K was cut in academic related expenses.
$261K in increased revenue generation is projected through a number of new initiatives
including online general education coursework during the summer semester and increased
dual credit offerings in partnership with local and county high schools.
Board vice chair, Mr. Delmer Mitchell, has praised the Innovations and Efficiencies Task
Force for its work.
“I am confident that the changes the University is undertaking will make the University
stronger, and better able to respond to the rapidly changing higher education
environment,” said Mitchell.
Founded in 1860 by Franciscan friars, Quincy University (www.quincy.edu) is a Catholic,
co-educational, residential university offering undergraduate, graduate, and adult
education programs that integrate liberal arts, active learning, practical experience, and
Franciscan values. Quincy University’s intercollegiate sports are members of the NCAA
Division II Great Lakes Valley Conference for men and women. For more information,
please contact the Quincy University office of community relations by calling (217) 228-
5275.
