Dear Campus Community,
We are writing today regarding next steps for the Spanish BA program.
As you may recall, the Focused Program Review process, initiated in academic year 2024-25, was designed to examine our academic offerings in light of student demand, workforce needs, and the university’s long-term strength and sustainability using a transparent framework grounded in shared governance and faculty expertise. Many departments reduced their curricular complexity and revised the number of degrees and concentrations they offer based on the results of the review. Following this process, and due to a low number of majors and graduates, the Spanish BA was also identified for discontinuation.
Because Spanish, as part of Modern Languages and Literatures, was merged with the English Department, it was given an additional year (2025-26) to strengthen the program. Over the course of the year, we have seen some improvement in enrollment and have heard from many members of our campus community about the potential impact of the discontinuance of the Spanish BA. From faculty and department leadership to students and members of the broader community, these perspectives have been thoughtful, constructive, and important in prompting a refinement of our approach.
Please note we never intended to discontinue the entire Spanish program. That was never being considered. The Spanish program provides a variety of classes that serve a large number of non-majors. That demand remains strong. Further, we believe there is strong interest in specialized certificate programs in lieu of a full Spanish BA degree or the possibility sharing upper division courses among several CSUs.
Based on all of this input, we have decided to extend the Spanish BA another academic year. The program is up for its 5-year review and this extra year will to allow the program to go through the new, program review process.
Following consultation with the Senate CAPR and COBRA committees, in response to a recommendation from WSCUC, the new program review process includes more robust financial and enrollment analysis as well as student and workforce demand data. Allowing another year will afford the Spanish BA program a full review through the standard shared governance process, including departmental self-study, dean review, CAPR analysis, and Senate consultation.
The provost will then review all data and recommendations and will take a more direct role in providing specific future actions for Spanish and all departments going through the academic program review process.
Spanish remains essential to our academic and regional community service mission. Thank you for your continued engagement and for the care you show for our students and our campus community as we move forward together.
Sincerely,
Cathy Sandeen
President
Anthony Muscat
Provost and Vice President
Academic Affairs
March 30, 2026