To the Editor:

The committee at Western Carolina University charged with evaluating academic programs issued its report on May 22. The report can be found at www.wcu.edu. Several of the committee’s recommendations, if approved, will adversely affect the Fine Arts College. In particular, the committee recommends the elimination of graduate programs within the School of Music.

After speaking with several people, it appears that the decision was based on numbers. I will save my arguments opposing the decision for the committee. However, one of the stated reasons — the program does not serve the region — is without merit, in my opinion.

I urge all who live in the region served by WCU to express the ways the School of Music, its faculty, and students have touched your lives. In particular, if you have had a positive experience with the graduate program, or a student(s) within the program, please make that known.

Music faculty will be meeting with Chancellor David Belcher later in June to present their arguments for maintaining the graduate program. As the faculty prepares their arguments, hearing from you would be a huge help. Please send your comments to Will Peebles (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), Dan Cherry (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or contact Chancellor Belcher directly.

Linda Watson

Cullowhee