As part of its five-year “Uplift Valpo” plan, Valparaiso University may discontinue some programs.
The university is working to maximize its resources. Recent data showed a dissonance between decreased student enrollment and academic offerings.
“We must address this issue if we are to build on Valpo’s long tradition of excellence, strengthen our financial foundation and continue to provide our students with the best possible college experience,” said Eric Johnson, Valparaiso University provost, in a press release.
Johnson recently announced a list of 18 undergraduate and 10 graduate programs being considered for discontinuance. The programs were chosen based on low enrollment numbers and other factors.
The university will review each program. The program may continue with changes, merge with other programs or be discontinued after already declared students finish the program.
“We also looked closely at each program’s service to other Valpo programs, and how to maintain institutional offerings that would continue the tradition of being a comprehensive university, grounded in the liberal arts to the fullest extent possible,” Johnson said.
If a program is discontinued, the university will still teach courses in that area, along with general education courses and other elective courses based on student demand.
Valparaiso University had 2,277 undergraduate and 591 graduate students in fall 2023. Founded in 1859, Valparaiso University is an independent Lutheran university.
