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Academic Affairs committee backs new ISU health sciences degree and approves program suspensions, terminations
Summary
The Academic Affairs Committee recommended approval of Iowa State—s new Bachelor of Integrated Health Sciences and endorsed suspensions and terminations of low-enrollment programs at the regent universities, including two program closures at the University of Iowa.
The Iowa Board of Regents— Academic Affairs Committee on Feb. 27 recommended several program actions from regent universities, including approval of a new baccalaureate degree at Iowa State and suspension or termination of multiple low-enrollment programs.
Iowa State—s provost presented a proposal for a new bachelor—s degree in integrated health sciences, designed as a multidisciplinary program across agriculture and life sciences, health and human sciences, liberal arts and sciences, and others. The provost said five distinct tracks leverage campus coursework to prepare graduates for a broad spectrum of health-related careers; the university forecast initial enrollment of 35 students growing to about 325 over seven years. Committee members recommended approval and the item was placed on the board—s consent agenda.
The committee also reviewed and recommended approval of two program changes at Iowa State: suspension of admissions to a doctoral program in agricultural, technological and environmental history (five-year sunset to allow current students to finish) and termination of an interdisciplinary master—s in transportation due to zero current enrollment and lack of expected applicants. Committee members noted that the program changes were driven by declining demand and budgetary considerations and would not materially affect workforce needs, according to presentations.
The University of Iowa presented requests to terminate two bachelor's degrees: a BA in American Studies (low enrollment, six students in fall 2024) and a BA in Social Justice (enrollment down; faculty departures left the major unsustainable). University officials said current students may finish their programs; any modest cost savings would return to the college.
The committee also recommended approval of two honorary degrees from Iowa State: Larry Buss (honorary doctorate of sciences) and drummer John Robinson (honorary doctorate of sciences), both supported by faculty governance and the campus administration.
Why it matters: The committee—s actions adjust the mix of academic offerings to align campus resources with student demand and workforce needs while adding a new degree aimed at health-care workforce shortages.
Next steps: Committee recommendations were placed on the full board—s consent agenda for final action at the board meeting.
Provenance (excerpted): topic introduction: "Iowa State proposes a bachelor's degree in integrated health sciences..." (provost). topic finish: "Hearing none, the committee will recommend approval of both of these honorary degrees request."
