RIPON – Ripon College is adding new academic programs in criminal justice, global studies and accounting while phasing out anthropology and French studies as part of a broader review of its curriculum and future workforce needs.
The changes stem from a campuswide academic program review and departmental self-assessment, according to a community announcement.
College leaders said the effort was designed to better align academic offerings with student interest and career opportunities in a changing higher education environment.
The college said it will launch two new interdisciplinary programs: Criminal Justice, Peace and Human Rights, and Global and Cultural Studies.
The Criminal Justice, Peace and Human Rights program is intended to address student demand and workforce needs related to law enforcement and public service.
Global and Cultural Studies will bring together faculty expertise from multiple departments to prepare students for careers in an increasingly interconnected world, according to the announcement.
Ripon also is introducing an accounting major to complement its existing economics and business management offerings. College officials said the new major responds to ongoing interest from students and employers.
Faculty hiring accompanies program growth
To support the expanded curriculum, the college plans to add faculty positions in criminal justice and accounting.
Ripon also will convert two visiting faculty positions into permanent tenure-track roles and hire a tenured faculty member specializing in communication and media studies. Another new faculty member will focus on data science, reflecting the institution’s investment in emerging fields.
Anthropology and French programs to be phased out
As part of the restructuring, Ripon College will phase out its anthropology program and its French and Francophone Studies program during the next year.
College officials said current students will be able to complete their studies and that transition plans are being developed for affected faculty members.
College emphasizes internships, research and study abroad
The academic changes are paired with plans to expand experiential learning opportunities throughout the college.
According to the announcement, Ripon intends to increase donor-funded and employer-funded paid internships, study abroad opportunities and research experiences across academic departments while maintaining its liberal arts and sciences foundation.
“Every decision in this review started with one question: what will best serve our students, today and for the next generation?” Folse said. “These changes reflect our answer: bold, strategic investment in their future.”
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This article originally appeared on Fond du Lac Reporter: Ripon College to phase out anthropology and French programs
Reporting by Nida Tazeen, Fond du Lac Reporter / Fond du Lac Reporter
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By Nida Tazeen, Fond du Lac Reporter | USA TODAY Network
