In a special chat with the Chronicle, Marcella David, Senior Vice President and Provost, shared her thoughts on the college’s major updates to academic programs. She described this change as a needed “refresh” to help students from various fields connect better and to keep up with technological advances in their industries.
Last December, Columbia made significant cuts, removing or combining nearly half of its programs. The Board of Trustees backed David’s plan, which means starting next fall, the college will offer 33 undergraduate and seven graduate degrees.
“This isn’t meant to criticize past programs. At times, colleges need to hit the refresh button, just as Columbia has done before,” she pointed out.
During the 30-minute discussion on February 7, David also highlighted the advantages of a new student information system that aims to fix registration issues.
When asked about her future at Columbia, David assured that she isn’t looking to leave, even with a new president coming in. However, she may step down from her role as provost after six years.
“Right now, I’m committed to Columbia,” she said. “I understand that someone new might bring fresh ideas, and I’m open to that possibility.”
Columbia is currently searching for a new president after Kwang-Wu Kim stepped down last summer. Jerry Tarrer, the former chief financial officer, has been interim president since July 1.
The college is tackling a $17 million deficit by making operational cuts, buyouts, and layoffs. Reforming academic programs is expected to save about $5 million over two years by cutting down on costly or low-enrollment offerings.
David expressed pride in her collaboration with faculty and staff during the COVID crisis and the subsequent review of the college’s budget and programs.
Apart from her administrative role, David teaches in the School of Business and Entrepreneurship, including a class titled “Access, Civic Life & City Design.” She expressed eagerness to continue helping the college, possibly in a different capacity.
Recently, the School of Business faced challenges as 23 full-time faculty members, including several from its team, were laid off.
David detailed the new student information system that will combine various existing systems into one platform. Currently, student data and information live on Jenzabar, along with different software for admissions, scheduling, and financial aid.
With the new system, all data will be in one place, making it easier for students to track their progress toward graduation. “This single system will help us provide better access and fluidity of information,” she said, expressing her excitement about the change.
The new system is also expected to ease registration woes and enhance communication between students and faculty. “Registration will remain the same, but we’re planning to improve RegFest by allowing students more time to ask questions and learn about the system,” she added.
Some students have voiced concerns about registration for the upcoming Spring semester. Senior photography major Mario Jimenez noted that many couldn’t register for essential classes and experienced challenges reaching their advisors.
Transitioning to the new information system will take a full academic year.
Jenna Davis, president of the Student Government Association, highlighted the importance of the new system, particularly amid all the recent changes at the college. She noted the outdated and slow current registration method and hopes the new one will be more user-friendly.
In the past three years, the college has raised tuition, including a recent increase last fall. Since Columbia relies heavily on tuition for funding, a drop in enrollment—by 1,000 students in Fall 2024—has severely impacted their finances.
Jimenez mentioned that many members of the Latino Alliance have either left or transferred due to registration problems and rising tuition costs.
“There’s been a lack of inspiration,” he remarked. “Students just want to get through their programs, regardless of the experience—good or bad.”
On a positive note, Davis observed that more students are engaging in community-building this past academic year. However, there’s a mixed bag of reactions among students regarding the recent changes.
The new program arrangements will roll out in Fall 2025, leading to larger class sizes in some instances. David reassured students that the college will strive to maintain a balance between large and small classes. “We’ll ensure that smaller, hands-on classes remain personal while also managing larger lecture courses efficiently,” she explained.
David emphasized the value of keeping smaller classes for hands-on learning, as they provide deeper connections between students and professors.
Her conversation with the Chronicle took place shortly after she met with the Faculty Senate, where faculty raised concerns about job stability amid the layoffs.
While discussing the ongoing changes, David acknowledged the campus community’s concerns but urged everyone to recognize the positives happening at the college.
“It’s vital to celebrate our successes, whether it’s faculty achievements or student milestones,” she stated.
Davis noted that rebuilding trust within the student body will take time, acknowledging the need for the college to prove its commitment to its students.
Copy edited by Trinity Balboa
