Cornell College to cut programs after review of enrollment, student interest

Cornell College will shut down degree programs in foreign languages and music after a review of “student enrollment data and student interest,” according to a message sent to students, staff and faculty.

The message, also published online by the Mount Vernon university, stated it looked at the data and consulted with the university’s Faculty Council “to determine where we will be making changes” in the 2026-2027 academic year.

As a result, Cornell will halt its “major courses of study in” more than 10 areas, including classical studies, French and Francophone studies, German studies, religion, and bachelor’s of music in the general, performance and K-12 tracks.

“Strong and successful colleges are always evolving, revising programs, updating policies, and introducing new initiatives,” the message stated. “As we take steps to evolve for our collective future, please keep the faith that the Cornell you know and love remains the place you know and love. Renewal and change are necessary to maintain our vibrant learning community for students today and tomorrow.”

Spanish will also be eliminated as a major, the message stated, though a minor option will remain available. Music programs outside of choir and choral ensembles, contemporary and popular music and musical theatre are also being halted, and “other instrumental groups are paused.”

Cornell College Senior Director of Marketing and Interactive Media Jen Visser said in an email the university has nothing more to share than the Friday message. She did not answer questions about how many students and employees are being affected by these changes and when the university last conducted a review of courses like this.

The message stated the history major, while its department “has been impacted by staffing changes,” will remain available. Students will be able to take language courses through the university’s “online provider” or through study abroad opportunities.

Faculty impacted by the changes have been notified and the university is “working to assist them in the transition,” the message stated, and the university stated it has “nothing but sincere gratitude for the contributions that members of the faculty and staff separating from the college bring to our community.”

“We continue to be dedicated to our identity as a liberal arts institution, and our current efforts are rooted in adapting our program to the opportunities that students want and need in a changing global economy,” the message stated. “We look forward to sharing more in the coming months.”

This article first appeared in the Iowa Capital Dispatch.