---
Agustín Rullán Toro, the chancellor of the University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez Campus (known as RUM in Spanish), disclosed on Thursday that an evaluation is being conducted on 22 academic programs that have seen low enrollment.
He explained that the purpose of this evaluation is to consolidate, reformulate, or, in certain instances, assess the viability of these programs to ensure the campus’s sustainability.
“Our commitment lies in sustaining a university that is both efficient and sustainable, utilizing resources wisely while upholding academic excellence,” Rullán Toro stated in a written statement.
Within the College of Agricultural Sciences, there are plans to merge programs such as Agricultural Economics with Agribusiness, as well as Agricultural Education with Agricultural Extension. The Horticulture program will also undergo a review to refresh its academic offerings and ensure ongoing relevance. Conversely, the College of Arts and Sciences aims to modify courses with the goal of achieving an average enrollment of 25 students per section, which is essential for financial sustainability.
The chancellor clarified that consolidation does not imply the elimination of programs; it instead focuses on reformulating them to enhance their appeal and sustainability.
“We are initiating recruitment and marketing efforts aimed at drawing in new students for these programs, securing their viability as options for future university attendees,” Rullán Toro mentioned.
Additionally, initiatives such as forming a specialized committee for outreach and public relations are being assessed to bolster student recruitment and enhance the marketing of the campus’s academic programs. Rullán Toro noted that these measures are designed to align RUM programs with market demands and student preferences.
The findings from this analysis will be submitted to University of Puerto Rico President Luis Antonio Ferrao Delgado to outline the forthcoming steps. Rullán Toro emphasized that this initiative aims to preserve the academic excellence that characterizes the campus and provide reassurance to both current and prospective students, as well as their families.
