In a significant move, the Academic Senate Executive Committee at the University of Utah has approved the elimination of 81 academic programs, as mandated by HB 265 from the 2025 Utah legislative session.
This decision comes in response to a staggering $60.5 million cut from the higher education budget, with the University of Utah taking on the largest share at $19.6 million.
In light of the funding cuts, state lawmakers have directed the university to eliminate what they deem as “inefficient” majors or programs that typically lead to lower-paying job prospects.
Geoffrey Landward, Utah Commissioner of Higher Education, emphasized the necessity of optimizing resource allocation to ensure the best return on investment for both the state and students.
The current list of programs targeted for elimination contains mostly master’s and doctoral programs with minimal enrollment, specifically those with fewer than two graduates over the past eight years.
The College of Humanities has been particularly impacted, suffering the loss of 22 programs, including 16 related to the Middle East Studies Program, specifically concerning languages or language teaching.
In addition, the dance and theater departments of the College of Fine Arts have faced cuts, including master’s degrees in theater, ballet, and modern dance.
These cuts align with a wider trend, disproportionately affecting liberal arts programs throughout various educational institutions in Utah, adhering to the stipulations set by HB 265.
In a statement dated July 9, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Mitzi Montoya detailed the selection process that led to these cuts, offering assurance that decisions were made based on data analysis focused on recent enrollment trends and degree conferrals.
“This action is taken in accordance with House Bill 265: Higher Education Strategic Reinvestment, passed during the 2025 general session of the Utah Legislature,” Montoya stated.
She also pointed out that university leadership had engaged in careful consultation with college, school, and departmental heads throughout the decision-making process.
U Academic Senate President Richard Preiss praised the leadership’s decision-making, asserting that the data-informed approach could serve as a model for future restructuring.
The University of Utah stands as the last higher education institution in Utah to announce its cuts, following earlier submissions by Weber State and Utah Valley University.
Under the provisions of HB 265, institutions will receive reimbursement for their lost funds, provided the money is reinvested into programs aligning with state job demands.
University officials reiterated that the decisions made regarding these cuts are part of a broader strategy outlined in Impact 2030, a comprehensive campus initiative aimed at boosting enrollments and clarifying institutional goals.
Impact 2030 intends to raise awareness about the university’s objectives while garnering support for its initiatives.
Montoya reassured current students in the affected programs that they would receive adequate guidance and support in transitioning toward timely degree completion or suitable alternatives.
Further discussions on these program cuts and funding reallocations are scheduled for August 19, when additional information will be presented to the Utah Legislature’s Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee.
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