University of Dubuque Loosing Reserve Officer Training Corps Program

Two Iowa universities are losing their Reserve Officer Training Corps programs. The University of Dubuque and the University of Northern Iowa will shut down their ROTC programs as part of a nationwide restructuring by the U.S. Army Cadet Command. The ROTC program at the University of Dubuque was launched in 1980 and enrolled between 50 and 60 students last school year. The Army says the changes are part of a strategic effort to rebalance and streamline the Senior ROTC program, which includes cutting 168 civilian positions nationwide. Cadets affected by the closures will be offered options to continue their training elsewhere. The shutdowns will take effect in the summer of 2026.