Students and faculty rally outside Rhode Island College to voice their opposition to program cuts.
Rhode Island College’s announcement to cut 20 degree programs amid dwindling enrollment has led to widespread dissatisfaction among students and faculty. On April 24, 2025, demonstrators gathered at the State House to express their concerns about the lack of transparency and inclusion in the decision-making process. Meanwhile, college president Dr. Jack Warner assures that no faculty positions will be affected and plans to engage with program leaders. The situation raises questions about the future of liberal arts education versus more career-oriented paths.
Providence, Rhode Island – On April 24, 2025, a gathering of passionate students and dedicated faculty from Rhode Island College made their voices heard outside the R.I. State House, expressing their dissatisfaction with the college’s recent announcement regarding program cuts. The news of the cuts has sent ripples through the campus community and sparked serious concerns among those affected.
In a formal communication to the college community, Dr. Jack Warner, the college president, revealed the plans to suspend a total of 20 degree programs and consolidate an additional 15 programs due to dwindling enrollment numbers. The decision follows a detailed review meant to identify programs with low demand, and the changes are set to be implemented in the fall of 2025.
Currently enrolled students in the impacted programs can breathe a sigh of relief as they will have the opportunity to complete their degrees. However, the news has left many feeling shocked and confused, especially given that some majors proposed for cuts have reported shockingly few completions over recent years, and in some cases, not a single degree awarded.
Among the notable programs facing suspension are those in the art and music education, creative writing, and foreign languages such as French and Portuguese. These programs, which many believe nurture creativity and critical thinking, are generating concern among students and faculty who fear that valuable liberal arts education is being sidelined in favor of more pre-professional career paths.
According to Dr. Warner, the rationale for reviewing programs stemmed from growth benchmarks. Programs that graduated fewer than 11 students per year for three consecutive years for bachelor’s degrees, or fewer than six graduates for master’s programs, were earmarked for cuts. This approach is being framed as a pathway toward creating a “stronger, more effective, and efficient institution” dedicated to serving its students better.
However, the reaction from the student body has been anything but supportive of the decision. Participants at the protest made their frustrations clear, emphasizing the lack of transparency in the decision-making process, and the absence of student input in matters that directly influence their education and experience at college. Many students share a sentiment that this situation could have been approached more thoughtfully, with better communication from the administration.
A silver lining to the program cuts is that no faculty positions are expected to be affected. This revelation has provided some relief among the academic staff, as they hope to continue instructing and mentoring students throughout their studies. As changes loom, Dr. Warner has committed to hosting meetings with leaders from the affected programs to address concerns and bolster support during this transition.
The college community is facing a challenging time as it navigates these upcoming changes. While Dr. Warner recognizes that the announcement may have come as a surprise, he reassured everyone of the importance of regularly reviewing program offerings to align with student needs and market trends.
Moving forward, the onus will be on both students and the administration to engage in constructive conversations about the educational landscape at Rhode Island College. As those affected grapple with the effects of these decisions, many are advocating for a balanced approach that respects both the demand for practical careers and the immeasurable value of a well-rounded liberal arts education.
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