The University of Montana’s Japanese, Russian and geosciences programs are among eight “red” programs flagged for review across all Montana universities.

For the last two years, the University ran its own academic portfolio review to find inefficiencies and programs that could be cut. Now, the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education has started its own annual review pilot for every Montana University System school.

The University’s Office of the Provost began an annual academic portfolio review in 2024, creating a system to make cuts and changes to survive the incoming enrollment cliff. The cliff is the result of the 2008 recession, which led to a drop-off of birthrates and therefore college-aged students today.

…

“Your feedback on the metrics, thresholds, forms and calendar is one of its most useful products and we welcome it at any time,” Thiel said in the letter. “Please send questions to me at [email protected].”