Preview: Bemidji State University Announces Budget Cuts & Layoffs

Bemidji State University has seen very low enrollment numbers since the start of the pandemic, causing significant budget problems. In the past two years, enrollment has been on its first ascent since 2017. But this 12.5% enrollment increase is not enough to immediately cancel out the $11 million deficit that the school is currently in.

“As we continue to work through our budget challenges, unfortunately, we have announced the reduction of 14 faculty from our institution,” said Bemidji State University President John Hoffman. “And that will, at this time it includes two programs that will be going away, our philosophy program and our computer science program.”

“The reality is that after decades of state of the state underfunding this agency, we are running out of things to cut,” said BSU Associate Professor of Philosophy Dennis Lunt.

All of the proposed changes will not go into effect until the end of the academic year, but have already stirred up mixed feelings and reactions. We will have a more in-depth story for you tomorrow night.