WVC announces cost-saving measures
May 20, 2025
Media Contacts:
Dr. Tod Treat, Vice President of Instruction, 509-682-6605, ttreat@wvc.edu
Marcine Miller, Executive Director, Public Information Office, 509-682-6582, mmiller2@wvc.edu
Wenatchee Valley College has announced cost-saving measures that will include suspending several academic programs and reducing course section offerings.
These changes come as Washington state is facing a budget shortfall of over $12 billion.
Working alongside the Faculty Budget and Program Review Taskforce, WVC administrators recommended suspensions of the following programs and courses: the Bachelor of Applied Science-Engineering Technology, the Music Direct Transfer Major Related Program, Transitional Studies English Language Learning Level A and B courses, Drama/Theater, Bachelor of Applied Science-Teaching, Machining, Graphic Design, and Natural Resources, specifically the Associate of Applied Science-Transfer degree. Wenatchee Valley College will continue to offer a Natural Resources transfer pathway within the general transfer degree.
A part-time Sustainability position that was funded by an expired grant will be reduced unless additional external funds can be identified. A counseling position will also be impacted by expiring grant funds at the end of the fiscal year on June 30.
The college considered program suspensions based on enrollment, student demand, transfer and employment outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and potential for alternative pathways to serve student needs. Some discipline-specific courses and certificates will be retained as electives.
Deans and program coordinators are working to identify alternatives for students to ensure that they are able to complete their studies. WVC is also considering
new opportunities to offer training and development opportunities to meet the needs of area employers, including noncredit offerings.
The college is making efforts to retain as many faculty members from these programs as possible and to reorganize faculty members into other areas. “While we have done everything we can to minimize the impact of program changes on faculty, staff, and students, this is a painful time for our community as these are valued colleagues, friends, mentors, and community members,” Treat said.
Moving forward, WVC Instruction will work with faculty and staff in all disciplines and programs to set goals and improve program and course efficiencies to increase enrollment and improve student retention, progression, and other outcomes, Treat said.
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Wenatchee Valley College enriches North Central Washington by serving educational and cultural needs of communities and residents throughout the service area. The college is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion for all students and employees and provides high-quality transfer, liberal arts, professional/technical, basic skills and continuing education for students of diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds. Visit our website, wvc.edu.
Wenatchee Valley College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity in employment and student enrollment. All programs are free from discrimination and harassment against any person because of race, creed, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a service animal by a person with a disability, age, parental status or families with children, marital status, religion, genetic information, honorably discharged veteran or military status or any other prohibited basis per RCW 49.60.030, 040 and other federal and state laws and regulations, or participation in the complaint process. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies and Title IX compliance for both the Wenatchee and Omak campuses:
To report discrimination or harassment: Title IX Coordinator, Wenatchi Hall 2322M, (509) 682-6445, title9@wvc.edu.
To request disability accommodations: Director of Student Access, Wenatchi Hall 2133, (509) 682-6854, TTY/TTD: dial 711, sas@wvc.edu.