FORT SMITH, Ark. — According to the University of Arkansas Fort Smith (UAFS), multiple degree programs could be eliminated after being deemed "nonviable due to a variety of factors, including graduation rates and enrollment funds."
The degree programs listed:
- Computer-Aided Design - AAS and related certificates
- General Technology Automotive Concentration - AAS and related certificates
- Political Science - BA (the Political Science minor will remain)
- Spanish - BA (the Spanish minor and certificate of proficiency will remain)
- Theater - BA (the Theater minor will remain)
Dr. Terisa Riley, the chancellor of UAFS said that if the proposed cuts happen, UAFS would "no longer enroll new students into the programs," but notes that many courses related to the subjects of the programs will still be taught, and any students enrolled in those programs will be able to complete their degree.
When asked why a shutdown of these programs was being considered, UAFS Provost Dr. Shadow JQ Robinson said, "A lack of enrollment has certainly been the driving factor. We're talking about 100 students total."
"When these programs were identified for possible elimination, we did a deeper dive where we also looked at how many students are seniors, juniors, sophomores, freshmen? What's the enrollment funnel looking like? How many students are applying," said Dr. Robinson.
"We will be implementing a continuity plan for these programs," said Dr. Riley. "I know that you have invested time, effort, and hard-earned resources into your education, and we are committed to seeing you through to graduation."
Gavin Wayne, a senior theater major at UAFS will not be affected by the decision, but he feels this decision ruins all the progress the department has made, as they are just now seeing full class sizes since the pandemic.
"We all woke up on Thursday with a heart wrenching email about how the program was deemed non-viable and was to be cut," Wayne said. "The students are concerned about is that we weren't given enough time to rebuild after COVID and previous faculty had left. Because we were in a state of rehabilitation, and we just are asking for more time."
I feared that this would just kind of be announced and then swept under the rug. But we're theater majors and we're not going down without a fight," Wayne said. "The arts are immensely important, especially at UAFS because we are the most affordable college in Arkansas."
Wayne said they're advocating for keeping the program with the #saveuafstheater on social media as well as reaching out the chancellor and local leaders to advocate.
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