Issue date: 2/19/08 Section: Editorial

We at The DePauw would like to ask the Committee on Academic Policy and Planning to reconsider its ultimatum for the Russians Studies program. When DePauw's presidential finalists visited campus two weeks ago, they reinforced that diversity of all areas - including academic study - should be a central focus of the University, especially one so rooted in a liberal arts tradition.

As the suspension of the program is not based upon financial hardships - merely a slowed interest - we question why this decision has been handed down in the first place. Even if only a handful of students wish to pursue Russian Studies, this interest should be respected. DePauw takes a great deal of pride in the number of subjects that are offered, especially for our size. To take away one more area of study is to chip away at our reputation as an institution that caters to its students' academic needs.

We feel the semester chosen to analyze the program was not representative of the typical interest or teaching style. With the primary faculty on sabbatical, interim professors were left to manage the program. While we don't doubt their teaching abilities, their stake in the longevity of the program is obviously lessened in an interim position.

If interest decreases or the program becomes a financial burden to the University, then we believe CAPP's ultimatum would be justified.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools