Plans to elminate Graphic Design from USF St Pete!!
Plans to eliminate the Program in Graphic Design at USF St. Petersburg
This is a copy of an email we received from Joani Spadaro, and felt compelled to share it with our customers and the Arts community-at-large. This city cannot afford to be without ART education! Please support the Arts by attending this meeting:
I wanted you all to know that USF St. Petersburg has plans to eliminate the Program in Graphic Design. My students were told of this just last week. At this point, it is not known if the juniors in the program will matriculate; they may have to transfer to other programs. The seniors will graduate with adjunct professors.
I have resigned my position from USF St. Pete due to a variety of reasons, all related to a lack of support for this vibrant, important and interesting program. The program is currently the only public BFA granting graphic design program on the west coast of Florida. It is popular, successful and at this point, I fear, doomed.
After being told that a national search was to be conducted for my successor, the students were then told that, due to budget cuts, the program would be eliminated. This makes little sense. The program is one of the most cost effective to run (according to the administration) and it is the only art program that is currently being offered on the St. Pete campus. This is a terrible situation for my students and for the arts community in general. The university seems to think of art in general and the Program in Graphic Design specifically as a dispensable. I hope that you share my outrage and concern.
There is a meeting of the College of Arts and Sciences Faculty Council at 2:00 on Friday, November 14 to discuss this situation. The meeting is open to the public and is currently scheduled to be held in the Dean's Conference Room, Davis Hall 100. I will update you on any change of venue.
Thank you for your support!
Warm Regards,
Joani
This is a copy of an email we received from Joani Spadaro, and felt compelled to share it with our customers and the Arts community-at-large. This city cannot afford to be without ART education! Please support the Arts by attending this meeting:
I wanted you all to know that USF St. Petersburg has plans to eliminate the Program in Graphic Design. My students were told of this just last week. At this point, it is not known if the juniors in the program will matriculate; they may have to transfer to other programs. The seniors will graduate with adjunct professors.
I have resigned my position from USF St. Pete due to a variety of reasons, all related to a lack of support for this vibrant, important and interesting program. The program is currently the only public BFA granting graphic design program on the west coast of Florida. It is popular, successful and at this point, I fear, doomed.
After being told that a national search was to be conducted for my successor, the students were then told that, due to budget cuts, the program would be eliminated. This makes little sense. The program is one of the most cost effective to run (according to the administration) and it is the only art program that is currently being offered on the St. Pete campus. This is a terrible situation for my students and for the arts community in general. The university seems to think of art in general and the Program in Graphic Design specifically as a dispensable. I hope that you share my outrage and concern.
There is a meeting of the College of Arts and Sciences Faculty Council at 2:00 on Friday, November 14 to discuss this situation. The meeting is open to the public and is currently scheduled to be held in the Dean's Conference Room, Davis Hall 100. I will update you on any change of venue.
Thank you for your support!
Warm Regards,
Joani
Replies to This Post
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Permalink Reply by John Conlon on -
HI, Ths came to me from the USF administration:
Media Contact ● Holly Kickliter ● (727) 873-4455 ● hkicklit@spadmin.usf.edu
Statement on the Program of Graphic Design
USF St. Petersburg takes pride in its Graphic Design program and the success of its students. The program is known for its high artistic standards, creativity and service to our community. This program will continue.
In late October two faculty members in the program notified us that they accepted positions at another institution. We are activating a search process to replace them.
All essential classes in Graphic Design will be offered in spring 2009. The departure of these faculty members will have no effect on our current students.
The future is clear for this program. Graphic Design will be recruiting for a new incoming class in fall 2009 and portfolio review will occur this spring, as planned.
-Frank A. Biafora, PhD
Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
-Norine Noonan, PhD
Regional Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
good news, I think....John Conlon
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