IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — The University of Iowa is cutting four staff positions as part of a restructuring of an office that serves communities across the state.
The university announced Thursday that its six-year-old Office of Outreach and Engagement would be closed next fall, and its services and mission will be transferred to colleges throughout the university. UI spokeswoman Jeneane Beck says the move has “eliminated the need for four staff positions” and their employment will be ended when their contacts expire.

Among other programs, the office has housed the Iowa Initiative for Sustainable Communities, in which students and faculty members partner with cities and towns to complete economic development, planning and other projects. Beck says that program will be transferred to the Graduate College next fall. She says the move should not affect ongoing projects in Keokuk, which is the program’s main partner this school year.