As the threat to Classics at UVa slowly fades away, Jon Mikalson (William R. Kenan, Jr.
Professor of Classics at UVa) sends along a letter from the Dean that is worth putting on the record in all this kerfuffle:
It is troubling to hear that inaccurate assertions made in recent news
reports have resulted in unwarranted speculation about the future of our
Classics and German departments. Let me assure you that I am unaware of
any suggestion from the Board of Visitors or any credible source that
any of our departments or programs should be reduced or eliminated.I never thought I have to say something so obvious, but now I am forced
to say it: the Classics program is not only a center of excellence in
the College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, it is highly
sustainable financially. It is a magnet for major research and teaching
grants. German language and literature is and will remain a vital part
of the education we offer to undergraduate and graduate students.Please let me know what else I can do to help put this disturbing rumor
to rest, and I would appreciate your distributing this message to your
colleagues.Best,
MeredithMeredith Jung-En Woo, Dean
College and Graduate School of Arts and Science
University of Virginia
