Rider is choosing to expand rather than contract. They will begin offering several doctoral programs and new majors with greater potential for employment. There is a new Dean of the School of Fine Arts- Dr. Matthew Shaftel. He has a great vision for the future. Given the phenomenal success of program graduates since becoming a full BFA, the MT program is the last thing he would touch. The Senior Showcase in May should be fabulous.
I wonder what morale is at school since professors are on a voluntary wage freeze and with the knowledge that they have to sell Westminster to meet the looming $7million deficit? I’m glad that Rider has a plan in place and is focusing in on its BFA program, but the tuition may be hiked up, professors may want to leave if their salaries are not being met, and they may feel pressure to increase the number of students in the program.
I have a Freshman and have not heard any rumblings of discontent or changes in the MT program.
No idea if this has any impact on the program but just wanted to share this article that I just saw this morning: http://www.philly.com/philly/news/new_jersey/Rider-Westminster-Choir-College-sale-princeton-campus.html?utm_campaign=Philly.com+Facebook+Account&utm_medium=Philly.com+Facebook+Account&cid=Philly.com+Facebook&mobi=true
Can’t edit my post but apologize as I see this info is already mentioned in other threads.
Do MT students typically stay on campus for the weekend? or do all the students disappear. I have just heard it is a suitcase school and I am wondering if that is true for MT too?
I wish the financial situation didn’t feel so risky! Imagine going through this whole crazy experience only to have the school you choose close?!
@ginja17 I’m a freshman acting major, and from what I’ve seen, most of the fine arts students stay here during the weekend. A lot of us are from out of state, so we’d be here anyway, but even in-state fine arts people seem to stay, at least in my dorm.
We were there this weekend and got assurances from MT faculty that they weren’t going anywhere. Dean called MT program the school’s “Crown Jewel.” Head of MT voice said she’ll probably retire there. And Dance head said he’s not going anywhere–he just bought a house and enrolled his 2-year old in school. Only 4 of the 14 MT voice teachers are from the choir college, and she will replace those, just as she has to replace some each year. Now to find the money . . .