The Educational Policies Council voted unanimously Tuesday afternoon to discontinue three programs at SF State.

Among the programs cut were a certificate in Educational Therapy, a business administration concentration and a minor in human resource management. In addition three B.A. concentrations in communication studies were also discontinued.

The council cited that student enrollments have decreased in programs like the concentration and minor in human resource management.

There were no opposing sides present at the meeting. Only one letter of protest was submitted, regarding the human resource management program cut.

The Academic Policies Committee (APC) and the Curriculum Review and Approval Committee (CRAC) jointly make up the EPC. Both committees meet to discuss their agenda and the actions of the Academic Senate.

Special Education chair Nick Certo cited new faculty were not interested in the certificate in educational therapy as one of the reasons for its discontinuance. The program was to help teachers address learning disabilities.

When asked about the impact discontinuance would have, Certo said aspects of the program will be replaced by tutoring centers, such as Sylvan Learning Center.

“My son tutors kids on the SAT, his credentials are he’s good at math,” Certo said.

Barry Rothman, biology professor and member of CRAC, said programs like those cut are small and make it stressful for faculty to deal with.

“Some of these programs have a small number (of students) trickling through,” said Rothman.

Shawn Whalen, EPC chair and lecturer in communication studies didn’t think there were any problems with the programs being cut.

“I don't think they’re particularly controversial proposals,” said Whalen about the discontinuance of the programs.