University Programs Cut From RIH

The minimum threshold for three University programs was not met and they will no longer run, said Superintendent of Schools C. Lauren Schoen to the school board Monday night.

Schoen stated that "the administration, with the support of the members of the Education Committee, recommends these three programs will no longer run as exclusive programs starting with the 2011-12 school year."

The Communications, Theater, and Information Technology programs will not be taking members starting with the incoming freshmen stating that "there was no overwhelming increase in applications."

However, Schoen's report said that instead officials "will begin to review the courses in each of these three programs to determine how these courses will be offered as electives."

Schoen previously said that the “number of applications this year is fairly consistent with past years.”

There is a minimum of 18 incoming students required for each program, 13 students are enrolled in Communications, and 17 and 16 are enrolled in Theater and IT, respectively. The program would have a total of 60 students in each program.

The programs' discontinuation would not affect students currently enrolled in the program. 

The other three programs, International Studies and Business, Science Medicine and Research, and Engineering and Design would remain part of the program. 

Parents and students previously told the board that by making the courses general electives, there would be a loss of specific areas of study for those interested.

But the board rebutted that it cannot justify a restricted program if the numbers don’t meet minimum requirements.

Wyckoff Resident Holly Rickert expressed disappointment in the discontinuation of half of the six University programs, stating that the numbers while lower than the maximum are “pretty close to the mark.” 

Rickert, who frequents school board meetings, said that “the small groups and camaraderie” generated by all the programs “is good for a lot of students.” And she’d like the board to “consider putting equal programs” in place of the discontinued ones.

“It’s unfortunate that with the success of the programs that this had to happen,” said Rickert. I just hope these programs don’t “disappear into the wind.”