02/08/2023
“Save the NDSU Hospitality & Event Management program: Your voice matters!”
Dear Bison Pineapples, Industry Friends, and Supporters of the NDSU Hospitality and Event Management Program
We need your support in convincing the administration of NDSU that our program is essential to the fulfillment of NDSU’s mission as a land-grant institution for North Dakota State and beyond. The university is currently undergoing a process, known as ‘The NDSU Transform,’ to address budget deficits resulting from institutional loss of enrollment.
The NDSU Transform Proposal (https://www.ndsu.edu/president/ndsu_transform/) outlines plans for strategic investments and reductions, and unfortunately, our program has been identified as one of those low-enrollment programs at risk of being eliminated.
For over 35 years, NDSU Hospitality and Event Management Program has been devoted to achieving NDSU’s mission. We have been highly productive in research and creative endeavors, furthering the university’s mission as a research institution. The research output of our program has been of exceptional quality, propelling the university to the forefront in this field. As the only 4-year degree program of its kind in the state, our program has addressed the industry’s workforce needs by providing our students with the quality education and training necessary to excel in this rapidly growing field. As a result, our graduates have been leading the way in this industry and contributing to the economic growth of the state.
Despite the decrease in enrollment due to changes in the needs of students in hospitality and tourism education and the Covid-19 Pandemic, there is still hope for the future of hospitality education. The industry has experienced dramatic shifts in recent years, but the outlook for the future remains strong. There is an increased demand for hospitality students with the necessary skill sets and knowledge to thrive in this ever-evolving sector.
Your support will be invaluable in ensuring that our program remains a part of NDSU’s academic offerings and continues to provide students with the best possible educational experience to support this important industry. NDSU is collecting feedback via an online survey (https://ndstate.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_b3jcSKVuIffZDD0?fbclid=IwAR1-B-8T3NXlTUlrrbKP53nrz4HgHEEySpkPjQ39uf62NLtsIMtBXvwxCd) that is open until February 15th. We kindly ask you to take a few moments to complete the survey and/or send a letter to [email protected]. Should you have any questions, please contact JD Park, the program coordinator ([email protected]).
Thank you for your time and support.
Sincerely,
NDSU Hospitality and Event Management