University of Iowa terminates American Studies and Social Justice degree programs due to enrollment decline

The Iowa Board of Regents convened on February 27, 2025, to discuss several significant topics, including program terminations at the University of Iowa and updates on distance education initiatives.

One of the primary discussions centered on the University of Iowa's request to terminate two academic programs: the Bachelor of Arts in American Studies and the Bachelor of Arts in Social Justice. The American Studies program faced declining enrollment, with only six students enrolled in fall 2024, down from a peak of 13 in the 2021 academic year. Similarly, the Social Justice program saw a drop from 55 students in fall 2021 to just 24 in fall 2024, compounded by faculty departures that left the program without adequate staffing. Both programs will allow current students to complete their degrees, and the university anticipates minimal impact on workforce needs.

Regent members expressed concerns regarding the processes leading to these terminations, emphasizing the importance of transparency and thorough evaluation. Regent Hensley noted the need for clearer financial impacts related to these programs, while Regent Barker requested more detailed enrollment trends across departments.

In addition to program terminations, the meeting highlighted the success of distance education offerings. The Chief Academic Officer reported that online course enrollments have stabilized above pre-pandemic levels, providing flexibility for students balancing work and study. The Regents also discussed the positive impact of the Master Gardener program, which has engaged nearly 2,000 volunteers and contributed over 103,000 pounds of produce to local food pantries, addressing food insecurity in Iowa.

The meeting concluded with a recognition of the ongoing efforts by the Regents institutions to adapt to workforce needs and maintain program relevance. The chair praised the universities for their responsiveness and commitment to continuous improvement, noting that since February, 67 programs have been closed while 88 new programs have been introduced.

Overall, the meeting underscored the Regents' commitment to evaluating academic offerings and ensuring they align with student interests and workforce demands, while also addressing community needs through outreach programs.