5/25/2023
TO: Upper Iowa University Alumni
SUBJECT: Reimagine UIU
In recent weeks, Upper Iowa University (UIU) has taken a series of steps to reimagine its operations to better align with student demand, be responsive to trends in higher education, and maximize growth opportunities. These changes include scaling back UIU’s regional footprint of operations and reducing a small number of academic and athletic offerings.
UIU’s Fayette Campus, home to Iowa’s only NCAA Division II athletic program, will continue to serve as the University’s residential and flagship campus. In addition, UIU will operate nine education centers in Iowa and Louisiana and two additional locations at U.S. Army bases in Kansas and Oklahoma. UIU will continue to invest heavily in its online and distance learning experiences that have provided academic opportunities to non-traditional and working adults for decades.
As higher education evolves at a rapid pace, it is important for an institution of our size to be responsive to changes that are in the best interest of our students and the long-term strength and success of our university. UIU’s focus will concentrate on the many things that we do exceptionally well.
UIU will continue to offer over 20 bachelor’s degrees, including in-demand programs such as Teacher Education, Supply Chain Management, Accounting, Conservation Management, and Biology/Pre-Professional Studies. Five advanced degrees include Masters in Business Administration, Public Administration, Education, Counseling, and Healthcare Administration.
UIU’s programs result in positive outcomes for its students. 96% of UIU’s graduates are employed or in graduate school within 12 months of graduation, as compared to the national rate of 84% in 2022 as reported by the National Association of Colleges and Employers.
The sharpening of focus undertaken by UIU resulted in the elimination of five academic programs (Sociology, Information Systems, Information Technology, Intensive English Program, and Master of Sports Administration), 11 physical locations, and seven athletics programs that were announced earlier this spring. While reductions of any kind are never easy, it is important for any forward-thinking institution to continually review its offerings and allocate resources effectively.
Equally important is the addition of new programs, which UIU will continue to invest in when appropriate. For instance, in response to growing demand UIU recently reintroduced a physical education and coaching major and is seeing strong growth in our Master of Healthcare Administration program launched one year ago. UIU is also launching women’s wrestling, with recruitment beginning this fall.
Students enrolled at locations ceasing physical operations will migrate seamlessly to UIU’s online program, which has provided educational opportunities to thousands of students beginning in 1999. Students currently enrolled in majors being eliminated will have the opportunity to continue to completion.
As always, UIU is driven by our mission to make education affordable and accessible to inspire success and empower lives. UIU’s commitment to affordability is demonstrated through recent accessibility initiatives, including reducing tuition and fees at the Fayette Campus to $19,000, freezing tuition for two consecutive years for adult learners, and offering free tuition for Fayette Campus students qualifying for the Iowa Tuition Grant. Alumni are encouraged to direct questions to the UIU Alumni Office at [email protected] or 563-425-5348. Staff members are always eager to connect and will happily answer any questions you may have for us.
Sincerely,
Andrew Wenthe
Vice President for External Affairs
Upper Iowa University
