SMALL DEPARTMENTS AT LARGE UNIVERSITIES: LESSONS LEARNED FROM OUR NEAR ELIMINATION AND PLANNING THE WAY FORWARD

As a consequence of diminished State revenues this year, the University of Florida (and other State institutions) prepared for 10% budget reductions. Like many other geoscience departments across the country at large universities, Geological Sciences is relatively small with 17 full-time faculty and 3 research support staff but generates greater than average numbers of student credit hours, graduate degrees and research dollars per capita. We provide quality pre-professional educational programs for students that are sought after in industry, academia, and government agencies. Although our department’s focus is on internationally recognized research rather than applied geoscience, our traditionally trained graduate students find success in national and international mining, oil and gas corporations and the environmental industry. Regardless of our successes, the administration proposed to eliminate 11 of our faculty and staff because we “have a small number of undergraduate majors (~50) and are relatively expensive" – thus providing nearly half of the college’s budget reduction.

Through the persistent and heroic support of our students, faculty, alumni, local companies, national associations (AGI) and international corporations (e.g. Exxon Mobil) the administration was made aware of the critical importance of the geological sciences. Ultimately the plan was not executed but there are important lessons to be learned. Without understanding the important roles geosciences play in academia, protecting our environment and utilizing natural resources, it is easy for administrators to single out departments with small enrollments. Growing the number of geoscience majors in less rigorous BA programs could be relatively easy with current student interests in the environment but we must continue to train well-qualified BS students that have the skills to work in applied fields. Administrators, politicians and the public need to be made aware of the significant role we play in society through self-promotion and education that are supported by local and national corporate partners. External advisory committees comprised of members of the applied geoscience community are invaluable in helping direct educational programs and provide strong political voices for “small” departments in threatening times.