On December 8th, 2020 The College of Saint Rose announced the devastating news of discontinuing academic programs to address financial challenges. Among the 16 various majors to be terminated was the entire art department. The art department is made up of four different degrees, Design Media Arts (BS), Graphic Design (BFA), Studio Art (BFA), and Studio Art (BS). These will all be cut without your help. 

In The College of Saint Rose announcement they said "These programs have enriched the lives of all of us at the College in some way, but in order for Saint Rose to continue living its mission..." However they cannot fulfill their mission if the Art program is cut. Their mission statement states "In addition to developing their intellectual capacities, students have the opportunity to cultivate their creative and spiritual gifts in a diverse learning community that fosters integrity, interdependence, and mutual respect." Cutting these programs completely shatters their mission statement since the arts and design program is the heart of creativity and spiritual gifts. 

Picotte Hall (where most of the Art and Design Classes take place) is not just a building to the students and Alumni, it is a second home where we have all spent 12+ hour days working vigorously, problem solving together as a team between faculty and students, and building life-long friendships and connections. Taking this away from future classes of Saint Rose is incomprehensible. The art and design department is the most dedicated and devoted department at Saint Rose, so much so we even have to take a shuttle to class since our building is over a mile off campus. The professors are not just professors they are mentors who have worked so hard for us in and out of class. Our professors devoted countless hours to make students going through the program show both intellectual and creative growth through each rigorous project. Eradicating the entire art department not only hurts the current students and staff, but every single alumni and retired faculty member that passed through those doors. 

We will not go down without a fight!

The music department has also been hit just leaving them with their Music Industry Department, here is their link to their petition: Save the Music Department