The University of Denver is consolidating its academic structures by merging five schools and colleges into two and eliminating five departments while keeping related degree programs in place. The changes, approved through the board’s fiscal planning, come as DU projects a budget deficit that is balanced through staffing vacancies and expense cuts. In a memo to employees, Chancellor Jeremy Haefner and Provost Elizabeth Loboa said the consolidation is intended to reduce silos and create a “more connected, flexible academic experience,” while also responding to market shifts and strengthening demand. The planned reorganizations include combining graduate schools of social work, professional psychology and education into one college; merging engineering and computer science with natural sciences and mathematics and kinesiology/sport studies; and integrating performing arts education into new units. DU expects to launch internal dean searches for the two new colleges this fall, with current students able to complete degrees under existing plans.