LAS Task Force causes mixed feelings among students

In order to assist him in finding places from to make budget cuts, LAS Dean Dwight A. McBride constructed the Academic Priorities Task Force. The Task Force compiled recommendations for each department within LAS. When brought to their attention, some students supported these suggestions, others found them outrageous.

The African American Studies program was encouraged to grow, as well as offer additional general education courses to appeal to more students. Alycia Williams, a second year Biology major, commented on this suggestion: "I think it is a great idea to offer more classes in African American Studies. It is an interesting subject and I think I could really benefit from taking a class."

However, the Task Force observed that some departments, such as Classics and Mediterranean Studies, are falling well below the college average of credit hours per faculty member. Classics is the study of languages and civilizations of ancient Greece and Rome. Classics was found to have produced only 5 bachelors degrees in 2009. The Task Force suggested that the department should strengthen the Mediterranean part of the program.

Megan Tschida, a third year Communications major, stated: "If the department is that small and only a few people are taking the classes then the University should close it down or invest money in bigger, more popular areas."

On the other side of the argument Phil Rosanova, a freshman with an undeclared major, commented, "Just because the University is [financially] struggling does not mean it should start closing departments. The Classics sounds like an interesting area to study. I might even want to take a course next semester."

The International Studies Program within the Political Science department was recommended to either be relocated in order to draw more attention or to be terminated. Cecilia Milewski, a second year Biology major, stated, "I think this is an important program. Instead of just closing it down LAS should try and make it more popular."

However Paul Dempsey, a second year Chemistry major, commented, "UIC has more important programs to worry about than small ones like this that students aren't interested in. Keeping around programs no one uses is only going to raise tuition and I don't think anyone wants that."

In regards to the Writing Center, a well-known resource at UIC, the Task Force suggested that the program focus on the First-Year Writing students. These students already make up the majority of the Writing Center's users. Milewski commented, "I think it is a pretty good idea. Switching from high school to college level writing can be hard. I think it could really help."

Although the decision on whether all or some of the recommendations will be implemented is not be up to the students, they are encouraged to support programs and departments they find beneficial.