UNI plans to rework 77 programs to save funds

University of Northern Iowa President Ben Allen announced plans Thursday to close, suspend or rework 77 different academic programs at both the graduate and undergraduate level. The plans will be submitted to the Board of Regents for approval. Today's recommendation is for the closure of 23 undergraduate majors, 19 undergraduate minors, 16 graduate programs, and the restructuring of 19 programs.

Click here to see the list of impacted programs

The programs chosen are among the least popular at the university and represent 2 percent of all degrees granted last year, according to a news release issued by the university.

“We remain committed to our vision to become one of the nation's premier public universities; our core mission is to provide the best academic experience for our students,” said Allen in the news release. “It is not financially sound to fund academic programs with few graduates. We have a responsibility to parents, students and taxpayers to be good stewards of our financial resources.”

According to UNI, the programs listed for closure graduated fewer than two students per year over the last five years. The programs represent less than 2 percent of the degrees granted in 2010-2011. “All of the students enrolled in those programs will be able to finish their studies,” said UNI Executive Vice President and Provost, Gloria Gibson. “The decision to close programs was not based on the quality of the faculty, curriculum or students in a program. Rather, student demand has changed and it is no longer possible for UNI to fund programs with few graduates.”

A number of tenured faculty members will be affected by the program closures and restructuring. Tenured faculty will be offered an Early Separation Incentive Package, which was approved by the Board of Regents, earlier this week. The total number of positions affected or amount of budget impact will not be clear until full implementation plans are complete.

“State funding may be a challenge, but our faculty, staff, students, parents, alumni, and donors recognize the value and tradition of UNI,” said Allen. “We are defining our future by making strategic decisions today. Our goal is to strengthen the core mission of the University of Northern Iowa and offer an exceptional educational and collegiate experience for our students.”