DARTMOUTH – The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth College of Visual & Performing Arts has voted to restructure and streamline its structure to create a more flexible system for students and increase community engagement.
CVPA Dean David Klamen, who joined UMass Dartmouth in the fall, said in a prepared statement: “The proposed new structure will align our programs with the shifting opportunities and challenges in the contemporary landscape of the arts. We firmly believe this will make the CVPA more attractive to students and faculty, and more responsive to the regional and international arts community.”
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In that statement, he added: “Too often, old academic structures create silos that separate creative people from each other.”
The measure will see half of the college’s six departments cut in response to a trend of expertise consolidation in the art world, but none of the courses offered will be lost.
For example, the college’s performing arts department will initially only include music, but will later integrate theater and dance as prospective students request that programming. Also, students seeking music teaching licenses will study in the music education department so they are more apt to receive accreditation after graduating.
Looking forward, CVPA will now explore new, creative options in curriculum development, which will include academic offerings to meet the pursuits of future students.
Emily Gowdey-Backus is a PBN staff writer.
