[lorend]

From MSU News:

On April 14, following months of uncertainty, the McMaster University Senate voted not to close the Art History department. The McMaster Students Union is overjoyed that this development has occurred, as we have repeatedly argued that student voices were not brought into the discussion on time.

As soon as the program closure was made public in February, a group of engaged Art History students took it upon themselves to articulate the concerns students had with the process. This group, headed by Art History major Adam Belovari, attended faculty meetings, Undergraduate Council, University Planning Committee and finally senate to ensure that the student perspective on the phase out was being heard.

The MSU, along with the McMaster Association of Part-Time Students (MAPS), have been meeting with this group regularly over the past several months to assist their efforts and lend our resources. The MSU’s perspective that students were not properly consulted or communicated with has been consistent since the announcement went public.

At the Senate meeting, the Art History students were supported by their student senators, MAPS and MSU President Vishal Tiwari. All student stakeholders were able to clearly articulate the point that students found out about the decision to close the program too late to make any meaningful impact on the outcome. The MSU is delighted that the Senate recognized this reality and voted down the motion.

We hope that in the months ahead, students like Adam are given a meaningful role in the transformation of the program. The MSU is willing to offer whatever resources are required to ensure that student input is properly gathered when academic decisions of this nature are being made.

Chirs Martin
VP (Education)
[email protected]
Mr. Belovari made the following statement in regards to the reprieve issued to Art History:

As a student representative for the School of the Arts at McMaster University, I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every individual involved in helping us save the McMaster Art History Program. I am especially impressed with the passion and dedication expressed by both the Fine Art and Art History students with regards to this matter. Thank you to the MSU, the SRA, and MAPS for all of your help, suggestions, and more importantly for your support during this process. I am proud of how well the students have represented themselves at all levels throughout this entire process. I look forward to a bright future for all of the arts and more importantly for the entire Faculty of Humanities at McMaster University. While this small battle has been won, it is important that students and faculty continue their efforts to ensure that both the Art and Art History programs be given an ‘infusion of resources’ as suggested by the 2009 external reviewers. We look forward to meeting with administration, as current students and graduates of the program, to share input and cost effective suggestions on how to maintain, further develop and strengthen both Art and Art History at McMaster.

Sincerely,

Adam Belovari