UNI College of Education Restructure
This April, the University of Northern Iowa will request to restructure the departments within its College of Education. If approved by the Board of Regents, the reorganization will increase operational efficiency and interdisciplinary collaboration in the college.
In July 2023, programs including Kinesiology, Athletic Training and Public Health were moved from the College of Education to the new School of Health and Human Sciences. This change resulted in lopsided and often siloed departments in the College of Education. To illustrate, two of the five current departments in the College of Education account for two-thirds of the college’s faculty, where the remaining three departments account for just one-third.
To remedy this, UNI has proposed reorganizing the college into four departments and spreading faculty more equally among them:
| Current Departments | Proposed Departments |
|---|---|
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The reorganization will streamline administration and enhance balance through workload and resource distribution. By unifying teacher education efforts, integrating learning sciences and technology, and strengthening external partnerships, the new structure ensures high-quality coursework, clinical experiences, and better-prepared future educators. Stronger collaboration between faculty and students enhances professional preparation, while a more cohesive structure improves efficiency, particularly in Elementary Education.
No curriculum changes are being proposed. Ultimately, this student-centered approach reduces barriers, fosters a sense of belonging, and creates a more responsive, innovative, and effective academic environment.
If approved, the reorganization will be implemented this July. Efficiencies gained over time will be realized in the College of Education budget.
