Buffalo State University is ending programs and weighing potential job cuts in its financial stability plan.

The school's interim president said that they are on target to balance Buffalo State's budget by 2027-28. However, they expect to see a deficit of $17.5 million by the end of this financial year.

“I am incredibly proud of the progress we are making as a community to strengthen Buffalo State’s education mission and ensure students have the supports they need to achieve a degree that will serve them well throughout their lives,” Interim President Bonita R. Durand said. “I remain confident in our ability — with the support of SUNY, elected leaders and community partners — to take the necessary steps that will maintain our university’s position as a leader in higher education.”

Administrators have identified 19 programs to cut, including Bachelor of Arts programs in Sociology, Physics and Art History. Additional impacted programs include Art and Design, Applied Economics, Coaching (minor), Computer Information Systems (minor), Digital Design & Fabrication (certificate), Disaster & Emergency Management (graduate certificate), Economic Policy Analysis (minor), Environmental Science (minor), Fiber Arts (certificate), Hospitality Administration (minor), International Economics (minor), Jewelry Arts (certificate) and Sculpture (minor).

The students currently in these impacted programs make up about 1% of the student body. They will be able to finish their course study.

“Interim President Durand’s thoughtful, well-planned vision for Buffalo State is translating into progress,” said State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr. “The actions Buffalo State is taking are setting up the university for long-term financial stability and, most importantly, setting students up for maximum success. SUNY has provided more than $10 million of increased annual operating funding for Buffalo State over the last three years, and Dr. Durand and the entire Buffalo State community continue to have my full support and confidence as they take decisive action to shore up the university. A strong Buffalo State is essential to a strong SUNY.”

School leaders also estimate that 63 full-time staff positions will be downsized based on academic and operational changes.