The University of Iowa sought Iowa Board of Regents approval to terminate seven degree programs at the university. 

Due to declining enrollment and concern over long-term viability, the UI is requesting ending bachelors degree programs in African American Studies, Applied Physics, Classical Languages, Gender, Women’s and Sexuality Studies, Italian, and Russian, as well as a masters in African American Studies.

According to board documents, the African American Studies and Gender, Women’s and Sexuality Studies will result in cost savings through eliminating a leadership stipend and reducing potential overload or adjunct costs. Savings from the Master of Arts in African American World Studies were realized in prior years when admissions were suspended. 

UI Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education Tanya Uden-Holman said no savings are associated with the other four terminated programs as faculty will be teaching other courses in their departments.

Upon board approval, students actively in the programs will be able to complete their degree programs, but no new students will be permitted to declare these majors.

The terminations follow after the Board of Regents released a report calling for the review of undergraduate programs with fewer than 25 students and graduate programs with fewer than 10.