<p>I've heard several rumors that Wellesley is cutting back several programs in order to weather the economic recession. The main one I've heard about is Wintersession on campus, but I've also heard stuff about the dining halls and other things on campus that seem pretty significant to me. Any current students/people in the know want to comment on what exactly is going on and/or how you think the environment at Wellesley will change due to these changes? </p>
<p>Thanks. I'm a prospective student, so I'd really like to make an informed decision about what all this economic downturn stuff is doing to the schools I'm deciding between for next year. Input is much appreciated!</p>
<p>I heard on the radio today that they are cutting 40 positions (all administrative and non-professors though).</p>
<p>I don’t have time to answer in great detail right now but here is a general overview of what has been going on:
[H</a>. Kim Bottomly, President of Wellesley College](<a href=“http://www.wellesley.edu/PublicAffairs/President/faqs.html]H”>http://www.wellesley.edu/PublicAffairs/President/faqs.html)</p>
<p>And yes, Wellesley did cut 40 administrative positions recently. More about the staffing changes can be found here:
<a href=“http://www.wellesley.edu/PublicAffairs/President/staffingchanges.html[/url]”>http://www.wellesley.edu/PublicAffairs/President/staffingchanges.html</a></p>
<p>LaMariposaAzul, you are correct in hearing about the changes to Wintersession and the dining halls. Now during Wintersession (starting January 2010) only 100-level language classes will be offered on campus and supposedly only a few specific residence halls will be open for students to live in. Two dining smaller dining halls will be closed beginning this fall, but that still leaves 4 dining halls and the campus center for food. Basically every main area of residence halls will have one dining hall each along with the campus center. Wellesley will still maintain its vegetarian/kosher and nut-free dining options. </p>
<p>While a lot of the changes that are occurring on campus might seem rather harsh; we as students have to keep in mind that these changes are happening every where else also. Many (possibly all) schools are facing losses in their endowments and cuts have to be made. Wellesley is fortunate enough right now that we have not had to cut academic departments and majors like some other institutions have had to. These are just changes we will have to acclimate ourselves to – right now, in college, and after college, in the job market and beyond.</p>