The University of Northern Iowa brought forward three significant academic proposals, ranging from a new accelerated nursing program to departmental restructuring and a program termination, at the Iowa Board of Regents’ Academic Affairs Committee meeting held Nov. 11-13, 2025.
UNI is seeking approval to launch an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN), a one-year pathway designed to fast-track qualified students into Iowa’s high-demand nursing workforce.
The university introduced its traditional four-year BSN program in fall 2024. The proposed addition, set to begin in August 2025, would allow individuals who already hold at least 70 college credits and have completed general education and prerequisite coursework to earn a BSN in just 12 months.
The accelerated track is tailored for students who already have a college background and want an efficient path to becoming registered nurses. According to the proposal, the curriculum will run year-round, including summer and winter terms, and will meet all required licensure and accreditation standards.
The Council of Provosts and Board staff reviewed the program and recommended its approval.
UNI is also proposing an administrative restructure that would move the Master of Arts in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Development from the Department of Learning, Leadership and Community into the Department of Political Science.
The shift, expected to be implemented in 2025, stems from a faculty-driven effort to increase resource efficiency and enhance collaboration among programs focused on public and nonprofit service. UNI leaders say combining the programs under one unit will enable shared coursework, coordinated recruiting and stronger academic synergies.
While students are not expected to see immediate changes, the university anticipates that the move will strengthen long-term opportunities through improved access to faculty expertise and consolidated resources. No courses or academic requirements will change and the same faculty will continue teaching in the program.
The most severe proposal of the meeting, UNI requested to terminate its Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology. The program, housed in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, has faced falling enrollment and shrinking faculty due to retirements, deaths and internal relocations.
Despite the program’s long history at UNI, administrators said the contribution is no longer sustainable. The anthropology minor will remain available for students interested in the discipline’s foundational concepts.
Nineteen students are currently pursuing the major. UNI has created individualized teach-out plans to ensure each student can complete their degree. Faculty will continue offering necessary courses for the next two years.
The termination would take effect immediately upon Board approval.
