Luther College is responding to smaller enrollments by studying the majors and minors it offers

Luther College faculty members met Tuesday morning on campus to discuss the impact of a decision by college officials to return to a student to faculty ratio of 13 to 1.  Because enrollments have been declining slightly on campus the last several years, that means adjustments will be made.

On Tuesday faculty members of the Academic Planning Committee met with all faculty members to discuss several proposed changes: removal of majors in athletic training, dance, German, and Russian studies; removal of minors in Asian studies, health and physical education K-12, education: world languages K-12, and Russian studies; and removal of programs of study in Chinese, Russian, and Intersections, with the exception of INT 130, the first-year Scholars Colloquium.

These possible changes will now be discussed and evaluated by the full faculty, which later this year will make a recommendation to the Board of Regents.  The committee report addressed only academic programs and did not make recommendations on faculty staffing levels for these programs.  Should a program be eliminated, Luther will ensure that current students have the opportunity to complete the program.

During this past year Luther has introduced and invested in two new majors, neuroscience and data science, in response to changes in the marketplace and as a way of strengthening Luther's curriculum. There have also been targeted investments in facilities, staffing and infrastructure. 

A statement released Tuesday afternoon by the college said, "Luther College continues to be in a strong financial position and is committed to its mission as a residential, liberal arts college of the Church. Responding to current challenges ensures that Luther remains a vibrant and relevant college that is able to serve its students, faculty, staff, alumni, and other key constituents and be a vital part of our community and region."