The University of Denver approved a fiscal 2027 budget balanced by leaving some staff positions vacant and reducing expenses, while also announcing a major academic consolidation. DU will combine five schools and colleges into two and eliminate five departments, though existing academic programs will continue. University leaders said the move is intended to reduce silos and create a more “connected, flexible” student experience rather than be framed as a cost-cutting plan. Key changes include merging graduate schools of social work, professional psychology, and education into one college focused on education and behavioral and clinical sciences; combining engineering and computer science with natural sciences and math, plus kinesiology and sport studies; and eliminating religious studies and electrical and computer engineering. Other listed departments shut down voluntarily. DU said it expects to roll out the new structure over the next academic year, launching internal dean searches in the fall, while current and incoming students will complete degrees as planned.