An open letter to the UVM administration:
As an alumnus of the University of Vermont’s English master of arts program, I was outraged to hear that the university plans to cut numerous majors and minors in a foolhardy attempt to balance the budget by sacrificing the university’s primary function — to educate. Having devoted my life to higher education, first as a student and now as a university instructor, I am appalled by the shortsightedness of this decision.
The notion that academic programs can be callously cast aside is ridiculously misguided for an institution of higher education, especially one that prides itself on a heritage of high-quality public education, and even claims “public ivy” status. To sacrifice academic disciplines rather than chopping from the top is a fundamental betrayal of the mission, students, faculty and alumni of UVM.
Further, it is worth considering that, once eliminated, a department or discipline is not easily replaced. This decision represents a long-term decimation of the university’s educational mission in an attempt — which the articles say, “It’s unclear how much money the plan would ultimately save” — to solve a short-term problem. It is like cutting off one’s foot because one’s toenails are too long. This action may help alleviate the immediate issue, but at what cost?
As a proud UVM alumnus and an educator, I plead with you, I urge you, I beseech you, please reconsider this absurd plan that would severely compromise UVM’s status as a world-class institution of higher education.
Phillip Zapkin, Ph.D.
Pennsylvania State University
Assistant teaching professor in English
