Cutting courses from your school's academic portfolio impacts students, faculty, and the institution itself. The decision to make cuts must begin with a systematic review, and, when undertaken carefully, can refresh program offerings, spur the creation of new programs, and help propel your institution toward an innovative future. How do campus leaders know when to initiate a review, which programs to cut, and which to expand?

The Chronicle’s issue brief, "The Right Mix of Academic Programs," sets criteria to help you evaluate academic programs and find efficiencies in course scheduling. Collaboration between the administration and the faculty is key, as is balancing business and academic mind-sets. While financial viability is important, a core program that is essential to the institution’s mission should endure.