At 100, Notre Dame de Namur University in the Bay Area Makes a Major Pandemic-Era Pivot: Will It Pay Off?

Summary: A Bay Area university is making a major pivot during the pandemic, expanding degree-completion programs and reaching underserved populations. The university has also sold its campus to Stanford and made significant cuts in order to adapt to the changing landscape.

The university is expanding its degree-completion programs to serve post-traditional students who have unfinished bachelor’s degrees.

The graduate programs, including clinical psychology and teaching programs, are in high demand.

Due to the pivot, the university has made significant cuts and downsized its campus.

The university has sold its campus to Stanford as part of its strategic planning.

At 100, a Bay Area University Makes a Major Pandemic-Era Pivot. Will It Pay Off?

A Bay Area university is undergoing a significant shift during the pandemic. In addition to expanding degree-completion programs for post-traditional students, the university is focusing on reaching underserved populations. The demand for graduate programs, such as clinical psychology and teaching, is high. However, this pivot has resulted in substantial cuts and downsizing of the campus. Furthermore, the university has sold its campus to Stanford as part of its strategic planning. The question remains: will this major pivot pay off?

The Expansion of Degree-Completion Programs

The university recognizes the need to serve post-traditional students who have unfinished bachelor’s degrees. With approximately 70 million people in the United States falling into this category, the expansion of degree-completion programs aims to address this underserved population. By offering flexible education options, the university hopes to help individuals complete their bachelor’s degrees and further their career prospects.

In-Demand Graduate Programs

The university’s graduate programs, particularly in clinical psychology and teaching, have seen high demand. With the current shortage of therapists and teachers, these programs play a crucial role in meeting the needs of the community. By producing qualified professionals in these fields, the university contributes to filling the gaps in the job market and making a positive impact on society.

Adjustments and Challenges

The major pivot undertaken by the university has not been without its challenges. In order to adapt to the changing landscape, significant cuts were made, resulting in a 40% reduction in size. The campus, once primarily geared towards traditional undergraduate students, had to be downsized to align with the new direction. Additionally, the university made the strategic decision to sell its campus to Stanford, further reshaping its future.

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