SOUTH KINGSTOWN — Citing financial constraints and a desire to strengthen academic programs at the state’s three public colleges, the Board of Governors for Higher Education Monday approved the elimination or consolidation of dozens of majors and ordered the review of dozens more that have consistently graduated fewer than 11 students a year.

Some faculty have opposed the cuts, saying that it’s important for the state’s research institution to offer a wide array of disciplines, even if they produce few graduates. Some departments, such as classical studies, Italian and women’s studies, serve hundreds of undergraduates each year, even though few choose to major in those subjects.

But education officials say the financially strapped public institutions can no longer afford to support tiny majors and that resources should flow to popular areas, such as nursing, pharmacy, engineering, business, environmental and life sciences and some liberal arts majors, including communications.

One major at the University of Rhode Island slated to be downsized to a minor — classical studies — was spared by the board. Classics will continue as a major, for now, Higher Education Commissioner Jack R. Warner said.

“It may be that some form of consolidation is ultimately recommended,” Warner said. “But this gives us more time to study the matter.”

State support to URI, Rhode Island College and the Community College of Rhode Island has been slashed by a total of about $30 million over the last two years as the state struggles to bridge a yawning deficit.

The institutions have been forced to hike tuition and fees, leave scores of positions vacant and, in the case of URI, lay off staff.

Also Monday night, the Board of Governors approved a retirement package for David M. Dooley, who will become the university’s 11th president on Wednesday.

The details of Dooley’s contract are still being ironed out, but the retirement contribution will be about $20,000 a year placed in an annuity, similar to the retirement plans for the other public college presidents, said Steven J. Maurano, associate commissioner for external affairs.

In other business, the board thanked departing URI President Robert L. Carothers for his 18 years of service and commissioner Warner for his seven years overseeing the Office of Higher Education.

Warner will become the executive director of South Dakota’s public higher education system in July.

jjordan@projo.com