(Butler, PA) Butler County Community College trustees Wednesday unanimously approved two motions to formally discontinue credit programs that are no longer published in BC3’s academic catalog. 

The 18 students enrolled in five of the programs can complete their credentials through teach-out plans, and no layoffs will occur as a result of the actions. 

The first motion discontinues 32 programs – 19 that led to an associate degree and 13 to a certificate. 

The board’s academic assessment committee recommended to the full board Wednesday the discontinuation of the programs, which were identified through the college’s multiyear academic portfolio review and program analysis.

The analysis reviewed student demand, enrollment and completion trends, workforce and transfer trends, student outcomes, long-term sustainability and fit with the college’s mission. No single factor determined the outcome.

The second motion discontinues 20 legacy programs that were not part of the academic portfolio review and program analysis and not offered in at least 10 years. The formal discontinuation of the legacy programs aids in recordkeeping.

Credentials earned in the discontinued programs remain valid. Graduates' transcripts remain unchanged.

Teach-out plans that allow students to finish their credential have been developed for those enrolled in the discontinued programs. BC3 advisers have contacted those students.

BC3 regularly conducts academic reviews, a process that also guides the college’s programmatic investment. 

“These programs served our students and our community well for many years, and the people who earned these degrees and certificates should know their credentials remain fully valid,” said Megan Coval, BC3 president. “Formally retiring them lets us focus on the programs today’s students and employers need.” 

College and faculty union leaders met before the board acted, in accordance with the faculty contract.

BC3’s practical nursing certificate program, revamped and launched in 2022, is active and not affected by the board’s action. The college’s new radiologic technologist associate degree program will enroll its first cohort in fall 2027 and is accepting applications. 

The nursing and radiologic technology programs listed in the motions are earlier versions that are inactive.

Discontinued programs are listed below.