As I write to you now, I want to stress how critical it is that our university is embracing our future responsibly, as we forge ahead to bolster a student-centered IUP—continuing our high expectations for the academic quality of programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, reinforcing our doctoral research mission, and providing our students with the tools and experiences to be champions for diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Some of you may have seen the recent news articles discussing the financial stability of IUP and how we are positioned within the State System. The majority of universities in the State System have experienced declines in enrollment over the past eight years, and IUP's has dropped 33 percent from our highest enrollment of 15,379 in fall 2012, to our current fall enrollment of 10,067. We cannot continue to pass an undue financial burden on to our students and families. We must bring our expenses in line with our revenues.

Rebalancing is part of the overall State System redesign, and while Act 50 exempts IUP and West Chester from university integrations, we are still required to meet sustainability goals within the next two years. System redesign began before the pandemic with a five-year plan, but because of additional economic strain, we are required to ramp up our timeline to balance our budget. We must act now and make hard choices that are necessary to secure IUP’s future.

We realize that we are not where we need to be and that we cannot sustain our current spending model without fundamental changes that will require difficult decisions. This includes the announcement of restructuring our six academic colleges and academic programs to create areas of focus, part of an ongoing plan designed to create a stronger, more student-centered university.

Dr. Driscoll shared, “We had two choices: allow the fates and other external forces to define our future; or dig deep, make hard decisions, and work together to create our own destiny. We’ve chosen that second option, to reimagine IUP and become IUP NextGen, student-centered and forward looking.”

As part of planning for IUP NextGen, the president announced last week that IUP’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences and the College of Fine Arts will be combined into a college focused on the creative arts, humanities, and design. “This action creates new synergy and energy for all of the departments and programs within these two colleges. A rising tide lifts all boats: by combining resources, all of the departments and programs are stronger. Students benefit with streamlined coursework and collaboration between departments, and it’s a more logical organization for ongoing and prospective students,” Dr. Driscoll said.
 

Finally, I am able to share with you this link, which walks you through the Academic Restructuring Plans, October 2020, and includes the president’s video that was sent to the internal university community.  

We are navigating rough waters and, with your help and support, your alma mater will be stronger than ever.  

In peace, with warmest wishes for good health and for staying safe,

Khatmeh

Khatmeh Osseiran-Hanna
Vice President
University Advancement

IUP Athletics Mourns the Passing of Hall of Famer Ed Fry
 

Three-Year Stretch for IUP Football One of the Best in Division II

IUPAthletics.com Feature: Jack Steve of IUP Men’s Golf

IUP Athletics Announces Speaker Series for Student-Athletes, Presented by IRMC