Over the years Buffalo State University has taken several measures to address a structural deficit, mainly through program deactivation and reducing faculty numbers. 37 or more department programs have been deactivated, many of which being higher education degrees, and many more are under review for deactivation including programs in the Philosophy and Theater departments.

Students impacted by program deactivation are fully able to finish their majors, though with a different experience as their peers leave, other students are barred from application, and they face a job market with a degree that no longer exists in their former institution making them less competitive in the eyes of some establishments. Students are told very little outside of yearly website statements, and information constantly changes over time on how programs are being cut. Not all majors are reported, programs are being cut despite student success, and students are largely being left voiceless in the process as Buffalo States reputation as the go-to place for higher education learning slowly slips away as snow piles up due to our lack of staff.

In a website statement, it is implied that programs like ACE and the Honors program rope new students in, though students aren't buying this; plenty of other schools in the area have similar programs, and we aren't offered direct numbers such as student testimony to prove this. Our fear as students is that if programs are being cut with little input of current Buffalo State students, how can these decisions rope in future ones and solve our financial crisis long term? Sure retention rates are up, but what happens when more cuts are made?

We would like student input in matters regarding department cuts, student input in matters regarding the future of Buffalo State and retention, better communication with students on what metrics are being used to cut departments, and a discussion on improved methods of budget balancing.