UPDATE: Hello everyone, thank you for the support. Here is an update on the current situation. Earlier today, a decision was made to offer the course over the summer. HOWEVER, if you need to take Patho 2 over the summer as well, then you cannot take the pharmacology class. This still results in fifth years and transferring for many. As we work toward a resolution, we are requesting that the Assistant Dean of Nursing, Madeline Schmidt, and the Dean of Nursing, Dr. Jill Guttormson, approve students taking both courses over the summer. Students have full autonomy (and the ability) to dictate whether or not they can handle both courses, but by removing the option to choose, the deans are unknowingly stripping students of their autonomy. Additionally, the question exists: the option to take both IS available during the Spring 2026 semester, so why not over the summer? 

We are sincerely asking Dr. Schmidt and Dr. Guttormson to reconsider their stance and support the academic success and well-being of their students.

Join us in this crucial cause. Your signature can help convince the leadership at Marquette University to make a meaningful change that benefits current and future students. Let's ensure that we have the opportunity to complete our studies on time, without unnecessary financial strain.

Please sign this petition to urge Marquette University's administration to offer the ability to take both classes over the summer!

ORIGINAL: Our academic futures are at stake. I am a student at Marquette University, class of 2028, and many nursing students at Marquette University are facing the harsh reality of extending their time at the university, simply because of one decision by the Assistant Dean of Nursing, Madeline Schmidt (and some input from the Dean of Nursing, Dr. Jill Guttormson). Currently, they have firmly decided against offering the critical pharmacology course over the summer. This decision has far-reaching consequences, affecting our finances, friendships, and overall academic morale.

The inability to take pharmacology during the summer forces students to spend an additional year in school. This extra financial burden is one that many families cannot afford. It's not just about the cost; the emotional weight of possibly having to leave the university or see friends transfer away is taxing. For many, housing situations are also thrown into chaos as they try to figure out what their academic futures hold.

Statistics reveal that the lack of flexibility in course offerings can significantly increase student drop-out rates. Universities like ours should aim to retain students and support their academic journeys, not inadvertently pressure them into leaving due to unavailable coursework.

A summer offering of the pharmacology course is an actionable and realistic solution that can ease the financial and emotional burdens on students. Other universities have found success in providing key courses during the summer, leading to higher retention rates and student satisfaction. We are sincerely asking Dr. Schmidt and Dr. Guttormson to reconsider their stance and support the academic success and well-being of their students, especially since there is a professor who has expressed interest in teaching the class over the summer and has actively tried to communicate with the dean regarding this issue.

Join us in this crucial cause. Your signature can help convince the leadership at Marquette University to make a meaningful change that benefits current and future students. Let's ensure that we have the opportunity to complete our studies on time, without unnecessary financial strain.

Please sign this petition to urge Marquette University's administration to offer the ability to take both classes over the summer!