PIVOT Pulse Check

We recognize that this has been a period of considerable uncertainty and anticipation, particularly for those waiting to learn more about how decisions may affect your programs and units. This update aims to clarify where we are in the process for both Track 1 and Track 2 and what to expect in the coming weeks.

For Track 1, deans are in the process of sharing their preliminary program classifications with academic units and gathering feedback, which will be incorporated as we finalize classifications later this month (see details below). For Track 2, unit designated points of contact have received the quantitative data dashboards that are part of the Unit Vitality Profiles (UVP). Links to the self-study surveys will be distributed shortly and are due on February 6.

You can always find updated information and details on our PIVOT internal website.

Visit PSU’s Bridge to the Future 2.0 for details on the university's strategic pathway to financial sustainability. Questions? Contact Provost Chabon (provost@pdx.edu).

Program Review and Preliminary Classifications

Following the submission of program self-studies in December, academic leaders reviewed all Program Vitality Reports (PVRs). Each dean served as the primary reviewer for their own school's or college's programs and as a secondary reviewer for programs from another school/college. PVRs were also reviewed by the provost, vice provost for academic budget and planning, and vice president for research & graduate studies.

We want to acknowledge the substantial work that programs put into these self-studies. The qualitative information you provided gave necessary context for the quantitative data and has been essential in helping us understand each program's unique contributions, strengths, and challenges.

Programs were evaluated using five evidence domains: student success, market demand, financial performance, mission alignment, and organizational viability. Based on this review, each dean prepared initial ideas for classifying programs using four categories: sunset, revitalize, sustain, and grow.

The Deans' Council, which includes all deans, the provost, and the vice provost for academic budget and planning and the interim executive director of University Studies met December 17-18 to conduct a collaborative review of our academic portfolio. Each dean presented their initial classification ideas, and through discussion with secondary reviewers and the full council, some classifications were adjusted, others were reinforced, and all benefited from broader input.

Following the group meetings, each dean met separately with the provost and the vice provost for academic budget and planning to address additional questions, clarify ideas for classifications and budget scenarios, and discuss communication plans with their chairs and programs.

Now: Sharing Preliminary Classifications and Gathering Feedback

Deans have begun to share their preliminary classifications with their units and gather feedback. The provost's office is now developing financial models to understand the potential revenue impact, projected savings, and transitional costs of possible actions.

The provost continues to provide regular updates on progress at the bi-weekly Faculty Senate Budget Committee meetings, the President’s Executive Council, as well as with the full Faculty Senate.

Next: Final Classifications and Implementation Planning

By Feb. 2, deans will submit final classifications to the provost after incorporating feedback from units. The classifications may still be adjusted based on this feedback and financial modeling.

Later in February, final classifications will be reviewed by the provost and president, approved and integrated into budget planning.

Last week, the Academic Leadership Team (all deans, vice provosts, and associate vice provosts) and unit-designated points of contact received data dashboards that provide the quantitative data for Academic Support Units, Administrative Structures, Centers, and Institutes included in Unit Vitality Profiles (UVPs).

Now: Preparing Self-Studies for Track 2

We are hosting office hours beginning this week for unit leaders and designated points of contact to discuss data sources and receive guidance on completing self-studies. Unit-designated points of contact are asked to finalize and submit their self-studies by Friday, February 6 using a Qualtrics survey that will be distributed in the next few days.

Next: Review, Classification, and Feedback

Unit leaders, as part of a Core Review Team, will review self-studies, draft early ideas for classifications, and collaboratively discuss classification ideas (for grow, sustain, revitalize, or sunset) in mid-February. They will then share those classifications with units for feedback.

Looking Ahead

As we continue to focus on PIVOT, the annual Integrated Planning of Enrollment and Budget (IPEB) process will not be used this year. Specific aspects, such as faculty budget committee engagement with units, enrollment planning, and remission requests, will happen as we continue the PIVOT process. We are finalizing the timing of this engagement and will share details as they become available. We will prioritize avoiding duplication of reporting already being completed through PIVOT.

There are and will continue to be intersections between PIVOT Track 2, Operational Excellence, and the reorganization of OAA. The Academic Leadership Team will collaborate to ensure that changes introduced through these initiatives inform our reorganization of the Academic Affairs unit, which most recently included the transition of enrollment management, multicultural retention services, and cultural resource centers into Academic Affairs on January 1, 2026.

The PIVOT Pulse Check is distributed regularly to Academic and RGS employees by the Office of Academic Affairs on behalf of PSU’s Academic Leadership Team to keep our academic community informed and engaged throughout the PIVOT process.

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Academic Program Optimization - Track 1

Academic Support Units, Administrative Structures, Centers, and Institutes - Track 2

Upcoming Key Dates and Actions

Track 2 - Designated Points of Contact receive Qualtrics survey for submitting self-studies

Provost reports on PIVOT process to PSU’s Board of Trustees Academic and Student Affairs Committee

Track 1 - Deans submit program classifications to Provost

Track 2 - Academic Support Units, Centers, Institutes, and Administrative Structures’ designated points of contact submit self-assessments

Track 1 - Final program classifications approved; units begin implementation planning

Track 2 - Core Review Team drafts preliminary classifications