SPIN-UP Regional Workshops: Texas Physics Programs and Physics Programs at HBCUs

As part of the broader SPIN-UP Regional Workshops program, the American Association of Physics Teachers organized two workshops directed at specific audiences. In May 2011, Hampton University hosted a SPIN-UP workshop focusing on physics programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. In May 2012, the University of Texas at Austin hosted a workshop focusing on physics programs in Texas, many of which were affected by a decision of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to eliminate degree programs (in all fields) that produced fewer than five majors per year averaged over the most recent three-year period. We will summarize the discussions at these meetings and what is being done to respond to the challenges faced by the physics departments attending the workshops.