FDU Announces Major Academic Restructuring to Enhance Interdisciplinary Learning and Operational Efficiency
University transitions to six streamlined academic units effective July 1
June 9, 2025 — Fairleigh Dickinson University announced the approval of a comprehensive academic restructuring plan that will transform the University’s organizational structure from nine colleges and schools to six integrated colleges. The reorganization, approved by faculty referendum and the Board of Trustees, is designed to enhance interdisciplinary connections, expand academic collaboration, and increase operational efficiency while maintaining the University’s commitment to academic excellence.
The new structure, which takes effect July 1, represents the culmination of an extensive collaborative process involving faculty, administration, and university leadership. The reorganization follows a thorough review of academic programs and incorporates recommendations from faculty representatives selected by the University’s Faculty Senate.
“This restructuring represents a strategic evolution that will strengthen our ability to provide students with innovative, interdisciplinary educational experiences,” said Benjamin Rifkin, University Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. “By better aligning related academic disciplines and streamlining our organizational structure, we’re positioning FDU to enhance collaboration across fields while achieving greater operational efficiency.”
The six new colleges will be organized as follows:
The Maxwell Becton College will encompass the Department of the Arts and Communication; the Department of the Humanities; the Department of Social Sciences, History, and Criminal Justice; and the Peter Sammartino School of Education.
The Gregory H. Olsen College of Engineering and Science will include the Gildart Haase School of Engineering and programs in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, physics, computer science and mathematics.
The Silberman College of Business will include the departments of Accounting, Taxation, Law and Information Systems; Finance, Decision Science, Economics and International Business; Marketing, Management and Entrepreneurship; the International School of Hospitality, Sports, and Tourism Management; and the School of Public and Global Affairs.
The University’s health-focused programs will be organized under FDU Health, a specialized division comprising three colleges: the Henry P. Becton College of Nursing and Allied Health, the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and the College of Psychology and Counseling.
The new structure creates four academic units of similar size in terms of faculty numbers — Maxwell Becton College, Olsen College of Engineering and Science, Silberman College of Business, and the three colleges comprising FDU Health, providing better organizational balance and coordination across the University.
Benefits and Impact
The reorganization is expected to deliver significant benefits beyond enhanced academic collaboration. The streamlined structure will result in cost savings primarily through the elimination of certain leadership positions, while maintaining full support for all academic programs. Support staff will continue serving their programs regardless of college affiliation, ensuring minimal disruption to day-to-day operations. The structure is also more consistent with comparable universities.
Rifkin added, “I believe that this structure is the strongest one possible due to the strength of the process and the collective expertise and wisdom that contributed to the project. I want to especially thank the Ad Hoc Reorganization Committee, which played such a pivotal role in the development of the proposal.”