Daily news highlights from Indiana show a major change in higher education. Public universities across the state are planning to cut or combine over 400 degree programs. This equals about 19%—almost one-fifth—of all degree offerings. The Indiana Commission for Higher Education made this big announcement on Monday, just one day before a new law began on Tuesday.
1. Why Are So Many Programs Ending?
The reason behind these cuts is a new state law. This law says that degree programs must graduate a certain number of students each year. If a program does not meet the numbers, it can be shut down. Schools can ask to keep small programs, but many universities decided not to request any exemptions. Instead, they chose to “voluntarily” reduce programs.
Some of the main cuts include degrees in:
- Foreign languages and education
- Fine arts, history, and social sciences
- Computer science and engineering
- Health and biology
Even top science and STEM fields were not spared. For example, Indiana University Bloomington is ending its Ph.D. in astrophysics. The IU system is seeing the most program changes, while Vincennes University is the only public school not making cuts.
2. New Law Sets Minimum Graduation Requirements
The law sets different graduate numbers for each degree type:
- Associate degree: 10 students per year
- Bachelor’s degree: 15 students per year
- Master’s degree: 7 students per year
- Doctorate programs: 3 students per year
Programs that don’t meet these targets are at risk. Lawmakers say the goal is to connect education to job markets and reduce wasteful spending.
3. Faculty Upset Over Lack of Communication
Many faculty members are angry and say they were not consulted. At Indiana University, faculty groups say the administration made decisions without asking for their opinions.
Heather Akou, president-elect of the IU Bloomington Faculty Council, called the process “draconian.” She says, “We didn’t vote. We weren’t even asked.” Faculty also say these changes harm the future of studying languages and cultures, especially when entire departments are being merged or erased.
4. Big Impact on Students and Jobs
Breaking News reports say that the cuts could affect thousands of students and staff. Many of the degrees being removed were already low in enrollment. However, this move will also impact:
- Teachers and professors
- University staff
- Students currently enrolled in programs
- Future students looking for certain career paths
Some 75 programs will shut down immediately, with no students enrolled. Another 101 will be phased out slowly, allowing current students to finish. The rest—about 232—will be combined into other programs, but exact details are still unclear.
5. Political and Financial Reasons Behind Cuts
Some critics say the universities are making these changes to please politicians rather than help students. They believe the real reason is to cut costs and shrink the size of public universities. Others argue it’s part of a bigger national trend in red states, where lawmakers are taking control of what universities teach.
IU professor Ben Robinson says, “There is no clear plan. No one told us what the new combined degrees even look like.” Many fear that this process is happening in the dark, with little transparency or explanation.
6. Government and University Leaders Defend the Move
Indiana’s higher education commissioner, Chris Lowery, says the changes are good for students. He believes fewer degrees will make choices easier for students and better match Indiana’s economy. Governor Mike Braun agrees, saying the cuts help students prepare for high-demand careers in the future.
Still, many question if this move is truly helping education or just taking away opportunities.
Daily news highlights show that Indiana’s public universities are going through big changes. These changes may shape the future of college education in the state. As the Breaking News continues to develop, students, teachers, and families will need to adjust to a new academic landscape.
