Curriculum FAQs

I haven't declared a major yet. Can I declare a major in one of the discontinued programs?

Please contact the Provost's Office at provost@smcm.edu to discuss the possibility.

I would like to add a minor in one of the discontinued programs. Can I do that now?

Please contact the Provost's Office at provost@smcm.edu to discuss the possibility.

Last semester, I declared a major in one of the discontinued programs, but I am not very far along / I have only taken a few classes. Can I still finish the major?

Yes.

I am majoring in one of the programs that is discontinued as a major, but will still be offered as a minor. Can I switch to being a minor and still graduate?

You will need at least one major to graduate. If you have already declared your major, you can finish that major even if it is being discontinued. Or, you can major in another program and add a minor.

My major is on the list to be discontinued. Will it take me longer to graduate?

Program changes will not affect your time to degree. You'll work with an advisor to plan a course of study to finish your major and your degree on time.

Which programs are being discontinued?

The full list is available online.

Why was the amount of money students made post-grad with each degree involved in the selection process?

Of the 35 metrics established, post grad salary was not one of the criteria used to evaluate programs. Since the data set is publicly available, you can confirm this for yourself. Many false statements are circulating and we suggest using the objective evidence to confirm or refute. Here is where the Pivot was originally posted (scroll to bottom of page)

Will there be classes for those finishing a discontinued major or minor if the program and its faculty are gone?

Yes. All students already enrolled in a discontinued major will be connected with a transition advisor to plan the completion of their degree requirements. The College is fully committed to allowing current students to complete their degree requirements and graduate in their declared program(s). Courses in these areas will continue to be offered while students are finishing their major/minor. Some faculty in eliminated programs are being retained; some departures (such as those through voluntary retirements) will be staggered over the next three years.

Provost Wick said the feedback that led them to these decisions was mostly given by the students. I don't see how that's possible given that the administration never asked for our feedback, formally or informally. What types of student input did you use?

The Provost said that student input was used, not that feedback was solicited. Nearly every metric addressed student input (student interest, success, persistence, etc.). Students were told of the ongoing deliberations and asked to submit their concerns to the Provost, and many did. Over 100 separate narrative documents were considered.

I've heard that professors were fired due to these academic program changes. Why was it stated that the faculty members who are leaving either resigned or their contracts ended?

The College made every effort to identify faculty positions that could be ended voluntarily. As was stated repeatedly in the town hall - and written in the Q and A - MOST, but not all, of the 11 faculty were voluntary separations.

It appears that film is being eliminated entirely, and also the theatre major as a whole is being reconstructed in order to focus on non-Western forms of expression. Are there going to be additions to the staff?

The envisioned Performing Arts major will include but not be limited to non-Western expression. Future staffing needs are not known at this time.

Why are these cuts affecting pre-tenure faculty?

The College has had to make hard choices. To the extent possible we have worked to support retirements and resignations but they were insufficient to avoid involuntary separations entirely. The College used seniority to determine those difficult decisions. In the case of pre-tenure faculty, the College is still honoring the terms of the contracts with these faculty members.