PASSHE Recommendations Regarding Low-Enrolled Programs

The Office of the Provost, at the request of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, has been working closely with the academic departments and colleges to determine the status of those degree programs that the System has determined to be low enrolled.

In a time of declining financial resources, our universities must be better positioned to invest in and develop new programs in emerging fields as they are identified. Our universities must be willing and able to respond to community needs such as workforce development and cultural enrichment if they are to serve students and families properly.

A complete listing of the programs that were reviewed and the outcome of the review process follows.

It is important to note that when a program is placed in moratorium, students currently enrolled in the program will be able continue in the program and earn their degree. Many of the individual courses in the program also will be maintained so students can continue to take them to meet both general education requirements as well as specific concentrations related to other majors. All of the IUP programs targeted for discontinuation have no current enrollments.

In looking back at this process, I believe it has afforded IUP the opportunity to take stock of our low-enrolled undergraduate and graduate programs and to assess their future viability and relevance to our academic mission. At a time of very limited resources, we have an obligation to ensure that our curriculum structure and academic offerings are serving our students well and meeting the educational needs of the commonwealth.

Dr. Gerald Intemann
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs