Nearly 70 percent of classes are either too crowded or under-attended. Large seminars allow for more students, but they lack intimate instruction. Small courses offer more personalized instruction, yet they often don’t generate enough tuition for the instructors, space, and utilities needed to house them. While an under-enrolled course may not generate enough revenue to cover its costs, an overloaded class could signal unmet demand. Decision-makers must collect data on enrollment fluctuations and student performance to inform the institution's approach to course scheduling.
The Chronicle's issue brief, The Right Mix of Academic Programs, explains how to approach a program audit or prioritization process and where to go from there. Collaboration between the administration and the faculty is key, as is balancing business and academic mindsets. This brief explores how to cut, adapt, and expand programs, and provides insight into making those decisions. 
