Thursday, September 24, 2026 / Eugene / University of Oregon
UO is weighing one college for design, music and dance
The concept could reduce administrative costs and senior leadership, but the task force has not decided what belongs where — or whether the merger happens at all.
The University of Oregon is considering combining the College of Design and the School of Music and Dance, possibly adding Theater Arts to the same new college. The idea is still a study, not a decision, and its organizational map has conspicuous blank spaces.
College of Design Dean Adrian Parr Zaretsky told faculty and staff Tuesday that a merger would bring budget savings, including reductions in staff and senior academic leadership. Provost Chris Long confirmed that UO is forming a task force to explore a broader college for creative arts, design and architecture. Where Planning, Public Policy and Management would land remains unresolved.
The proposal sits inside UO's effort to close a $65 million structural deficit. Deans have been modeling 5%, 10% and 15% general-fund reductions, but the university says those scenarios are not final decisions. A full budget proposal is due to the University Senate on October 28, with a final recommendation expected to reach trustees in December. The possible merger affects units with more than 2,400 students between them; at the moment, the institution knows the shape of the question better than the answer.
Field notes
What changed: UO confirmed it is forming a task force to study merging design, music and dance programs, with possible staff and leadership reductions.
Why it matters: The concept would reorganize large academic units during a $65 million budget-reduction process and could change staffing, leadership and program identities.
Who may be affected: UO students, faculty and staff in design, architecture, planning, art, music, dance and possibly theater.