The power of student voices: student concerns on recent “P&E” report

Olivia Barone

Editor in Chief

The following statements were collected from students affected by the release of the recent Progress and Efficiency report by the Office of the Provost. All students are named only by their first names in an effort to maintain anonymity as they speak their concerns about decisions made by RIC’s current administration.

Image taken by Olivia Barone

Maddie - Art Education B.S

“I am concerned about the suspension of departments not only because they are cutting mostly humanity/art related fields but also because the president claims only under a dozen are enrolled in them, but it is actually around 57 students. When I got the Hope Scholarship, my first thought was that I could stay at RIC for my masters but the masters of Art Education has been suspended. It is also strange that they are changing [RIC from a predominantly] education and nursing school by cutting these programs, while at the same time making room for [the new Artificial Intelligence B.S].”  

Meaghan - Art Education B.S

“[I used to attend another school] where I was a Women and Gender Studies major. This major is something that I am extremely passionate about but I knew my heart was in teaching students art. Seeing the Gender Studies degree be suspended at RIC is devastating as I have never learned so much as I did in a single semester when I was a part of that major. Humanities degrees are so important… My worry about the recent proposal is that by cutting programs for future enrollment, the students who are currently enrolled will lose support and opportunities they would have had prior. Will the students in the Art Education B.S Program lose resources because of the suspension of the BFA? … While I do not know much about degrees outside of art, I would hope that by suspending these degrees, the current students are not in a position of losing out on the education and opportunities they deserve.”

Gabrielle - English B.A, Creative Writing Concentration

“I was planning on going to get my MA in English with a concentration in creative writing after next year. I was extremely excited that RIC offered this program, as other Master programs I’ve looked at cost double if not triple what it would cost (compared to RIC). I have been very worried about where I should go for my masters now, or if I will even continue my education, since it will cost me so much more to attend other schools for writing.” 

Ally - English B.A, Film B.A

“As both an English and Film major it was super disheartening to see so many humanities majors cut. While I’m thankful that film managed to be saved, I fear for the future of the program and hope that new students can have the same opportunities I have. It’s terrible to see so many important majors cut and even worse knowing that future students won’t be able to pursue the majors they’re interested in.”

Sophia - Film B.A

“RIC’s decision to cut 20 valuable programs feels too rash to accept. Such a big change like this shouldn’t come out of nowhere in the way that it did. Dr. Warner claims the process the college followed to evaluate the programs is a routine part of higher Ed. administration. If that’s the case, why wasn’t the RIC community told this was happening? Why weren’t the steps in this process disclosed? Why should we believe that suddenly cutting 20 programs, all arts and humanities, is normal? Clearly, RIC only cares about you if you’re interested in cybersecurity.”

The Anchor has made attempts to contact both the Office of the Provost and President Jack Warner to find answers to some of the questions asked by the above students and end speculation, but we have received no response.

However, we at The Anchor would like to encourage students and staff to continue sharing their voices, like the students above. But, what options do you have to ensure that you are heard?

Those interested in sharing their stories regarding the “P&E” report are welcome to contact The Anchor on Instagram or submit a contact ticket on our website. 

Beyond contacting The Anchor, you have the ability to directly contact RIC administrators. Like citizens who write letters to government officials to convey their concerns, students are encouraged to do the same. The Emails of RIC’s administrators and officials are public information via campus’s People Directory for this very reason: to receive feedback from whoever wants to give it. However, it is important that those interested in writing letters voicing their concerns remember to remain respectful and to do your research.