EIU Board of Trustees Approves Four New Degree Programs

Eastern Illinois University’s regular April Board of Trustees meeting took place Friday afternoon in the Doudna Fine Arts Center.

Highlights and outcomes of the meeting included:

 The approval of four new academic programs, including 1) a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Arts and Sciences (B.A.A.S.) in Health Practice in the College of Health and Human Services (Fall 2024); 2) a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Arts and Sciences (B.A.A.S.) in Cyber Security in the Lumpkin College of Business and Technology (Fall 2024); 3) a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Engineering in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences (anticipated Spring 2025 or earlier); and 4) a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) degree in Elementary Education in the College of Education and The Graduate School (anticipated Spring 2025 or earlier). All four new programs focus on meeting new and emerging needs in the regional and global workforce.

 Approval of increases in per-credit-hour tuition, fees, and room & board costs for new students. For full-time, 12-credit hour students, the tuition increase equates to an additional $99/semester. New and current students in approved programs will continue to benefit from EIU’s Guaranteed Tuition Rate program, which ensures four continuous years of fixed tuition beginning with the term of a qualifying student's initial enrollment at EIU. Following this adjustment, EIU remains the lowest-total-cost-of-attendance university for undergraduate students in the State of Illinois.

 Approval of successor contracts for AFSCME Local 981 Clerical/Technical (2023-27); AFSCME Local 981 Service (2023-27); and Carpenters Local 243 (2024-27).

 Approval of tenure beginning in Academic Year 2024-25 for 11 faculty members of various academic disciplines.

Other noteworthy informational items on the agenda included purchase agreements for athletic apparel, various software/technology/communication/insurance packages/partnerships, and upcoming construction/repair activities for Lantz Gym and various parking lots across campus; an update on associated activities regarding Plan 2028—EIU’s newest five-year strategic plan; the annual election of EIU Board of Trustees officers; and the traditional summary of the University’s most recent purchases, deposits and investments.

EIU prepares students to accomplish their life goals through a combination of quality academics, personal relationships, and both on-campus and online learning opportunities.

For more information about Eastern Illinois University, including its list of academic and career readiness programs, or any of EIU’s other community-based services and opportunities, visit eiu.edu or call EIU’s public information office at (217) 581-7400.