Twenty degree programs at the state’s three public universities could be ended under a review by the Iowa Board of Regents.
The Board approved program closures at the University of Iowa and the University of Northern Iowa on Thursday. The Board is targeting programs with low-enrollment and concerns over long-term viability.
The University of Iowa is recommending ending bachelors programs in African American studies, gender studies and other majors.
University of Iowa Associate provost Tanya Uden-Holman said closing the programs will help the college use faculty more efficiently.
Iowa State University has identified 10 programs to cut and UNI is recommending ending three masters programs.
The Board said classes could still be offered in those areas of study and current students will still be allowed to finish their degrees.
*Additionally, at this week's Board of Regents meetings, the board is also weighing more oversight of general education courses.
General education courses at Iowa, UNI and ISU would have to be checked for certain diversity or race-related content, under a policy being considered.
Every two years, the Board of Regents would have to review and identify courses that have “substantial” diversity, equity and inclusion elements, or critical race theory content. Reviewing the courses is estimated to take board and university staff over 1000 hours.
The regents will vote on the policy change in June. The first review of courses would be done this upcoming school year.
A similar provision showed up in a bill this year that’s stalled at the Statehouse. It says the board can tell an institution to cut courses with the targeted content.
Oversight of DEI topics has been an increasing trend nationally the last half-decade.
