Regents Approve Recommended UNI Academic Cuts

The Iowa Board of Regents unanimously approved a wide ranging slate of academic programs slated for closure or suspension.

The programs were recommended for closure by UNI officials and the plan was endorsed by a regents subcommittee this morning, despite loud and consistent protest from faculty, students and others in the weeks leading up to the vote.

"I am not saying the impact isn't severe, but let's all get together (the faculty and administration) to work to not lose the value of the learning experience we had before," Regent President Craig Lang said.  

The vote came despite protest from UNI faculty, including an eleventh hour request to postpone the vote. Many have criticized UNI for rushing.

Allen advised against holding off, saying UNI used a thorough process in devising the plan, even though it remained fluid even until today.

"I am not sure we can add more value at this point by trying to extend the discussion," Allen said.

The recommendation includes about 58 programs slated for closure and another eight that will be suspended. University officials remained shaky on specifics, such as how much money would be saved, how many jobs would be lost and even how many programs are being cut.

The university had a goal of saving $800,000 through academic cuts as part of a campuswide effort to offset a $5 million deficit they started the year with. The Iowa Legislature is working on a budget plan that would give UNI more state funding than sister universities University of Iowa and Iowa State University.

The critical factors in compiling the list of programs to cut were low enrollment and graduation rates, UNI officials said. Officials used 10 graduates per year as a benchmark in looking for programs to cut.

The list includes bachelors degrees in geology, teaching psychology and microbiology, numerous foreign language programs and several masters programs in chemistry and criminology, among others.

Here is a list of the programs tabbed for closure or suspension.

The decision comes after votes of in Allen and , tense relations between faculty and administration, and plans by a national faculty group to.

Allen said the key to restoring goodwill on campus will be reconnecting with the UNI Faculty Senate and working closely with faculty to restructure programs and develop a budget. 

"The Faculty Senate is the key," Allen said.

Allen also made a presentation about a transition plan for the , which regents previously approved for closure.

The university has 10 transition teams, in areas such as student records, K-12 student transition and employment transition.