Rhode Island College Suspends Portuguese Concentration

News Summary

Rhode Island College (RIC) has announced the suspension of its Portuguese Concentration under the Modern Languages BA, effective fall 2025, as part of a strategy to halt 20 underenrolled academic programs. The decision has raised concerns about the implications for Portuguese education and the cultural landscape in Rhode Island. Critics argue that the cuts to humanities and language programs could diminish diversity and career opportunities for graduates, while RIC assures that current students can complete their degrees uninterrupted.

Providence, Rhode Island – Rhode Island College (RIC) has announced the suspension of its Portuguese Concentration under the Modern Languages BA, effective fall 2025, as part of a strategy to halt 20 underenrolled academic programs. This decision is indicative of a larger initiative within the institution to enhance program efficiency and productivity.

The suspension will also affect concentrations in French, Francophone Studies, Latin American Studies, and World Languages Education in both French and Portuguese. RIC’s President, Dr. Jack R. Warner, disclosed that the decision follows a standard procedure where colleges routinely assess programs for enrollment viability. This comprehensive evaluation was conducted by the Office of the Provost, which involved discussions with academic departments and the RIC Council Committee on Program Review.

As a result of this initiative, RIC plans to consolidate 15 programs and concentrations while maintaining 21 others, pending the approval of submitted program improvement plans. Dr. Warner assured that present students enrolled in the affected programs would be allowed to complete their degrees without any interruption, emphasizing that no faculty members are slated for job loss as a consequence of this restructuring.

Concerns have been raised regarding the repercussions of this decision. Dr. Silvia Oliveira, the director of Portuguese Studies at RIC, voiced apprehension about the ramifications for Portuguese language education in high school settings, particularly as the demand for Portuguese language instructors continues to rise. Additionally, Marie Fraley, a co-founder and former director of the Institute for Portuguese and Lusophone World Studies, highlighted the implications of the suspension as a significant setback for the community, emphasizing that RIC is the sole state college providing an undergraduate teacher education program in Portuguese.

The Coalition for a Multilingual Rhode Island, which comprises over 30 community and educational organizations, condemned RIC’s decision, warning that it undermines Rhode Island’s cultural and linguistic diversity. They pointed out the substantial Portuguese-speaking population in the state and reinforced the necessity of preserving academic programs that celebrate historical, cultural, and economic opportunities.

The Community Advisory Board of the Institute for Portuguese and Lusophone World Studies also expressed that eliminating the major would drastically narrow career paths for graduates across various sectors, including education, business, law, and healthcare. Critics argue that the recent efficiency report cited by RIC indicated many of the suspended programs have each awarded fewer than five degrees annually since 2021, with some, like Francophone Studies and Respiratory Therapy, reporting no degrees at all during that period.

The lack of transparency during the program review process has led to discontent among students and faculty, culminating in protests. Some students participated in rallies advocating for the preservation of their majors, with themes such as “Save Our Majors” featured prominently during demonstrations at the Rhode Island State House.

Opponents of the program cuts argue that reducing humanities and language disciplines is misguided, especially at a time when embracing cultural and linguistic diversity is becoming increasingly vital. RIC’s decision does not arise from immediate financial strain but rather from a routine evaluation process that had not taken place in several years.

Amidst the ongoing discussions concerning the program adjustments, Dr. Oliveira remains dedicated to crafting a new and versatile Portuguese major that promises to include a wide array of courses pertinent to Portuguese language and culture. This effort aims to attract a broader student demographic and reinvigorate interest in Portuguese studies at RIC.

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Additional Resources

• Herald News: Rhode Island College Suspends Language Programs
• News From The States: RIC Suspends Degree Programs
• Brown Daily Herald: Community Protests RIC Program Suspensions
• Google Search: Rhode Island College program suspension
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Language Education