Student protests against the proposed budget cuts for the Latina/Latino Studies program appear to have paid off.
According to Jeri Jaeger, associate dean for the College of Arts and Sciences, the program will be able to continue operating at its current funding.
This announcement is satisfactory to students and faculty alike, who formed a petition in late January against the prospects of some of the budget cuts – more specifically, the possibility of a cutting a number of courses taught by Craig Centrie, professor of American Studies.
Centrie is known for his dedication to the department and his vast knowledge of the subject matter of his classes. When it was revealed that some of his courses were in danger of being cut, Centrie's fans, lead by Dr. Ruth Meyerowitz, professor of American Studies, united in support for him.
Based on the recent announcement, his supporters are able to breathe a sigh of relief. None of Centrie's courses are going to be cut.
Ernesto Alvarado, Student Association president, is thrilled to hear that Centrie will be able to continue in his position at full strength.
'I'm a huge fan of Craig's,' Alvarado said. 'He's probably one of the best professors at UB. I can't say enough about the work he has done for the students and the university.'
According to Alvarado, he and the SA were very involved in the formation and distribution of the petition to keep his classes.
'I was really proactive in repelling any of the acts that would cut any sort of cost for the Latina/Latino Studies program,' Alvarado said. 'I think it's these kinds of classes that really highlight the diversity of the university. We pride ourselves as being diverse, so I think it's imperative that we continue funding in these areas.'
The decision to continue funding for the Latina/Latino Studies program comes alongside the announcement of significant organizational changes to be implemented in the College of Arts and Sciences this coming fall. In a message to the faculty, the school's dean, Bruce McCombe, announced the formation of the Division of Transnational Studies.
This new division will house each of the individual international departments of the CAS – African and African American Studies, American Studies, and Global Gender Studies – along with the programs in Canadian Studies, Caribbean Cultural Studies, Latina/Latino Studies, and Polish Studies.
The motivation behind this administrative decision was the hope of bringing together these departments and programs, which existed independently until now.
'This structure maintains the autonomy of the three departments and four programs – which will retain their chairs and directors – while facilitating the closer collaboration of the faculty and students within the allied disciplines that comprise it,' McCombe said in his announcement to his colleagues.
Under the new organization, the international disciplines will more readily be able to work together. Because the majors and minors in these areas have requirements spanning the several international departments, such synergies are essential.
According to Donald Grinde, professor and chair of American Studies, while communication and cooperation between the departments has always been necessary, an organizational structure that brings them under common leadership will serve well.
'I think that it has great potential to develop some important synergies amongst all of these programs and departments,' Grinde said. 'I think it will be very good for the faculty, as well as the students that are involved in those departments.'
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