Texas A&M Cuts 52 Programs Amid Controversy
College Station, Texas – Big Changes Ahead!
In a surprising move that’s stirring quite a bit of conversation, Texas A&M University has decided to cut 52 minors and certificates from its curriculum. This decision follows the Texas A&M University Board of Regents’ resolution that was passed last month, much to the dismay of several faculty members and even some administrators, including President Mark A. Welsh III.
What Sparked the Cuts?
It all started with inquiries into the *LGBTQ studies minor* back in June 2023. Though details on those inquiries remain murky, Provost Alan Sams mentioned that a social media post had raised questions about the program, which led to a review. “We looked at the program, and we looked at the enrollment,” Sams explained. “If there’s just one student that’s interested enough to declare it, why did we create it in the first place?” And so, the process geared up to establish more stringent enrollment thresholds for various programs across the university.
According to an A&M spokesperson, the programs in question saw an average of less than one student enrolled per certificate and only about 1.2 students in each minors program. When these numbers came to light, the decision was made to close the programs by January 1, 2025.
In Whose Interest, Really?
The sudden announcement raised eyebrows among faculty members who felt blindsided by how the process unfolded. Traditionally, curriculum changes should originate at the faculty level, but many said they weren’t consulted at all. “We felt that if the argument was that our enrollment numbers were low, then we really weren’t given a chance to address that,” said Sally Robinson, a graduate coordinator in the Women’s and Gender Studies program. This situation has led to allegations of political interference with faculty feeling their voices and contributions to curriculum decisions were dismissed.
Sams, in collaboration with the Council of Deans, began drafting plans over the summer to implement these new enrollment criteria. The changes have sparked a wave of dissatisfaction amongst faculty and staff who argue that such a decision should include *stakeholder consultation* and transparency. “The process lacked meaningful input from many stakeholders,” stated Angie Hill Price, the Faculty Senate’s speaker.
Political Overtones?
Adding to the drama, several state lawmakers began scrutinizing the LGBTQ studies minor as far back as January. Republican Rep. Brian Harrison, who made headlines critiquing the program, met virtually with Sams to push for its termination. He claimed that taxpayer dollars shouldn’t be spent on what he dubbed “liberal indoctrination.” The matter has since evolved into a political saga, with politicians applauding the Board of Regents for their decision.
The Regents, while approving the cuts, asserted they had a fiduciary responsibility and emphasized that they were taking action to eliminate perceived waste. Yet their intervention in university curriculum decisions is far from typical and has met with strong pushback. “Is [the Board] now in charge of curricular instruction at the university? Then what is the purpose of faculty?” questioned one concerned professor during a recent senate meeting.
What’s Next for Texas A&M?
As the dust settles, a reality is setting in for Texas A&M: significant changes are afoot, and many feel the core of shared governance at the university has been shaken. With the inactivation of these programs, including certificates in a variety of fields from engineering to the arts, there’s a lingering sense of uncertainty surrounding the future of academic offerings.
President Welsh, while acknowledging the turmoil, has emphasized the importance of moving forward and making the best decisions for the university. However, faculty members continue to express concern over the process and the lack of communication. In their view, the elimination of these programs doesn’t just reflect numbers but signifies a *larger debate* about what education means and who gets to shape it.
The overall sentiment from both students and faculty is one of bewilderment and frustration. As Texas A&M wraps up 2023, the university community finds itself at a crossroads, weighing the implications of these cuts while hoping for a more inclusive and collaborative approach moving forward.
