UPC methodology questioned

As students and faculty learn about the cuts that have been made for Fiscal Year 2012, many question the effectiveness of the University Priorities Council, which was designed to evaluate university programs for areas that can be cut.

Amy Young, an anthropology and sociology professor at USM, disagreed with the cuts listed, especially the termination of tenured-track faculty. She said she found the operations of the UPC vague.

"I really don't understand the criteria used by the UPC for ranking programs, especially considering that we have no clear mission or vision for USM," she said.

Kasey Mitchell, Student Government Association president, began work with the committee this summer.

"The UPC didn't just sit down and say we're gonna cut this and this and this—that's not how it works...We just have to stay positive and realize that they are doing the best they can do in the circumstances," she said. Mitchell praised the diligence and commitment of the committee members, and she proposed holding an open forum to answer lingering questions about the process and decisions made for the university.

Students and faculty, however, are speaking out against the cuts made to the philosophy and religion department.

"I have difficulty understanding how USM can be a real university without religion, reduced philosophy, and no foreign languages other than French and Spanish," Young said.

Several students from the religion department have written letters to the president and provost in support of their programs. Although they will be able to graduate in their major, some feel it would be an illegitimate degree without the instruction of the current professors.

"I'm still hopeful our voices will make a difference," said Molly Richard, junior religion major from Lafayette, La. If the religion department cuts sustain, Richard said she would reluctantly switch to an anthropology major. "It's an entire change of plans in the middle of my college career," she said.

President Saunders released a statement Monday outlining the decisions and consequences of the cuts. On the topic of teaching out students she said, "Students enrolled in programs targeted for elimination will be allowed a reasonable time to complete their degree programs. Also, an appeal process is being developed for programs requesting reconsideration."