College Station Buzzes with Sports and Academic Changes
College Station is buzzing with excitement as the No. 25 Texas A&M Aggies prep for an electrifying showdown against the No. 9 Missouri Tigers. Historically, these two teams have faced off 16 times since their first game in 1957, and both squads are currently riding high on a wave of momentum. As fans gear up for what promises to be a thrilling match, they’re reminded that the world of college sports isn’t the only story in town.
A New Era for Academic Programs
On another front, Texas A&M University is making headlines for a different reason. The Office of the Provost has put forward a proposal that could see the inactivation of a staggering 52 minors and certificates due to low enrollment. This move comes after officials set new requirements aimed specifically at certain programs, notably after a review prompted by inquiries into the LGBTQ studies minor last June.
The Provost, Alan Sams, has stated that programs must now meet specific enrollment thresholds: 10 graduates in the last two years or a minimum of five current students for undergraduate programs, and six graduates or three current students for graduate certificates. According to the latest reports, many programs are already feeling these new rules as requests for inactivation flood in.
Concerns from Faculty
However, this decision hasn’t come without its share of concerns. Faculty members are expressing strong feelings about what they perceive as a violation of shared governance, which traditionally allows faculty to play a significant role in academic decision-making. While it’s common for faculty to advocate for inactivation requests, this proposed inactivation comes directly from the administration, leaving many wondering about the future of their programs.
In a show of solidarity, faculty from the Department of Geology and Geophysics voted overwhelmingly—87.5%—in favor of retaining their environmental and engineering certificate. Furthermore, faculty members from the Women and Gender Studies Program have unanimously opposed the inactivation of their minor, displaying a collective commitment to their academic offerings.
The Process of Inactivation
So how does this process work? Submitting an inactivation request in the Curricular Approval Request System (CARS) is just the first step. This request is routed through various departments and undergoes further review before ultimately making its way to the Faculty Senate and Texas A&M President Mark A. Welsh III. A university spokesperson noted that a list of impacted programs would be made public once discussions have taken place at the Faculty Senate meeting scheduled for October 14.
The agitation around these changes is palpable. In particular, some faculty point to the apparent conflicts that arise when newer programs with increased enrollments are marked for inactivation based on previous data calculations. For instance, the environmental and engineering geology certificate is said to have 33 students enrolled for the upcoming fall 2024 semester, well above the threshold, highlighting potential faults in the decision-making process.
Looking Towards the Future
Even as the Aggies prepare for a crucial football game and a vibrant crowd gathers, a different kind of battle is unfolding on campus. The implications of the proposed inactions raise questions about the university’s direction and commitment to providing diverse academic offerings. As discussions and reviews continue, students, faculty, and fans alike will be waiting to see how these issues resolve.
As we move forward, it’s essential to keep an eye on both sports and academic policies at Texas A&M. Each arena plays a significant role in defining the vibrant culture and character of this beloved institution. Here’s to hoping the Aggies perform well on the field and that a constructive resolution is found regarding academic programs!
