Dear Campus Community,

In March, we shared the results of an academic analysis that identified several programs for a five-month-long discontinuance review process. This review concluded last week with the Board of Directors, and I am writing to update you on the decisions and next steps.

While these decisions have been difficult and carefully deliberated, our mission ultimately guided us to arrive at our decisions. Approximately 98% of our campus population will not be impacted. Those currently enrolled in discontinued or reimagined programs will complete their degrees as originally planned and without interruption, as these changes will only apply to incoming students. Valparaiso University remains dedicated to the academic experience we are known for and to supporting our current and future students' diverse interests. We will continue to prepare students to excel in their personal, professional, and faith lives through 48 undergraduate majors, 80 undergraduate minors, 16 graduate programs, and 9 graduate certificates.

The discontinuance review process included a comprehensive evaluation of input from various campus constituencies and governing bodies, along with the consideration of several potential outcomes. Not all programs that entered the review process are being discontinued. For some discontinued majors, students still have the option to earn a minor and take courses in that field. In keeping with our dedication to academic excellence, Valparaiso University will continue to offer a wide array of programs for general education requirements and elective options.

Formal responses were provided to me in June and, after consideration, I provided my final recommendations to the Board of Directors last week. Following comprehensive deliberation, the Board adopted our recommendations.  The final decisions are as follows:

The programs listed below underwent thorough evaluation and presented compelling arguments in favor of their retention. Through innovative proposals that identified new markets, unique niches, modified curriculum, professional framing, ideas for collaboration, and sustainable budgets, these programs have been approved for continuation. They will collaborate with the Provost’s Office to establish benchmark goals to ensure their success moving forward. These programs will undergo reassessment in three years.

I commend the creative ideas and innovativeness demonstrated by these departments. This reflective approach exemplifies our commitment to continuously enhancing the quality of educational experiences for our students.

The theology major and minor underwent deliberation and will continue, but will be reimagined. Over the next year, coinciding with the Lutheran Centennial Celebration, the faculty, in consultation with the Provost’s office, will undertake the development of a new major and required courses in the field of religion that will inspire our whole student body to consider the power of faith in their lives. This initiative will also involve close collaboration with the Division of Calling and Spiritual Life.

Throughout this reimagining process and moving forward, theology will remain a mandatory component for all students through our general education curriculum, as it is an integral part of our University’s educational framework and identity.

Students currently enrolled in this major or minor will not experience an interruption or change in requirements for their degree completion.

A number of programs put forward for consideration for discontinuance were uncontested by campus constituents, including the college dean, program director, faculty senate, and EPC/GEPC. Given that all parties were in agreement, they will be discontinued.

Contested programs that will be discontinued are listed below in bold font. Departments contested the discontinuation of programs by submitting proposals in support of retaining them. They were tasked with presenting innovative ideas and collaboration suggestions to enhance enrollment while managing expenses. The decision to discontinue the following programs took into account departmental proposals, market data provided by Human Capital, and enrollment data (five-year averages, current and projected) for declared majors.

The programs listed below will cease new enrollment immediately. Students currently enrolled in these programs will complete their degrees as originally scheduled. Courses related to these program subjects may still be offered.

*The BA Music, Bachelor of Music Education majors, and music ensembles are not impacted by this discontinuance.impacted by this discontinuance.
**The German minor will be retained. The elimination of the German major will not affect the operation of the Kade-Duesenberg German House.
***The Supply Chain and Logistics Management minor will be retained.

****The Theology department and College of Arts and Sciences did not contest the elimination of this program. This uncontested program is separate from the Theology major which is being reimagined and is explained above under the contested and reimagined header. 

Continuous improvement is essential in shaping the future of our University. This work was not solely a cost cutting initiative. Through regular and careful review of program offerings, we strive to evolve continually to meet the expectations of our students and the demands of the market.

As previously stated, approximately 98% of our campus population will not be impacted by these decisions. Students enrolled in the affected programs will be able to complete their degrees within their current majors or programs without interruption. Those directly affected by the discontinuation of programs will receive further communication from their college dean, outlining the available resources for inquiries and assistance.

Not all program changes or eliminations may result in faculty reductions. However, regrettably, we do expect a modest reduction in faculty positions in certain departments once the discontinuation process and any required teach-out are finalized. A teach-out is a multi-year process projected to conclude by the end of the 2026-2027 academic year.

Valparaiso University remains committed to our mission of preparing students for leadership and service in both church and society. Though final decisions have been made for this current undertaking, our work of evolving is an ongoing process. The processes of review, reflection, and continuous improvement cannot stop, as it is integral to our mission. We are steadfast in our dedication to exploring new opportunities that enhance the educational experiences we offer our students. At Valparaiso University, our primary focus is on the success and development of our students to prepare them to lead in both church and society. Despite the challenges that change may bring, our unwavering goal is to support and foster our students’ growth.

Sincerely,