1,000 signatures reached
To: SIC Administration and Board of Trustees
Keep the Southeastern Illinois College (SIC) Art Program
SIC Administration has proposed cutting the SIC Art Program at the end of the 2020-2021 school year. I would like them to continue to support and fund the Art Program at SIC.
Why is this important?
Why is keeping the Art Program at SIC important?
SIC has a mission and vision.
Southeastern Illinois College enhances lifelong learning by providing quality accessible educational programs, cultural enrichment opportunities, and support for economic development.
Our Vision is to be the catalyst for academic excellence, community service, and economic growth in the communities we serve.
I’ve heard SIC referred to as a Beacon on the hill. I think that is an excellent example of what SIC is to the communities that are in the SIC district. That beacon is composed of the classes and educational programs we offer. I’ve watched the economic downturn and low enrollment numbers cause the cutting or reduction of multiple programs and classes. The institutional goals of SIC call for a “general education program that creates a foundation for further study and enlightened citizenship.” Art doesn't just teach art; it teaches problem-solving skills, visual literacy, and creativity. It gives them skills to survive in an unpredictable world. With the itinerant nature of employment, the predominance of digital interfaces, and demands of a shifting and unknown work environment, imagination is needed more than ever.
You might argue that SIC students will be able to find other classes to satisfy their humanities requirements for associate degrees. While that might be true of some students, there will be many who will find another school or will simply forego college altogether if they do not have access to art classes here at home. The hands-on skills are vital to those seeking vocational paths.
If the SIC board votes to cut the SIC Art program the entire southeastern portion of Illinois is affected. It is a rural area but these students deserve access to visual art education here at SIC. For many, SIC is their ONLY option right out of high school especially in this economically depressed region of the state. The administration has cited the financial impact of COVID and low enrollment. I understand this pandemic has caused distress in everyone's lives. This is exactly why we should be committed to providing access to the skills that are essential for thriving and driving growth here in the SIC district.
You might be under the impression that a college without an art program will save money by cutting the expense of a faculty salary and the additional expenses related to an art program. This is absolutely untrue and was proven by research conducted by Sauk Valley Community College (SVCC), in Dixon, Illinois, in 2016. This research demonstrated that the drop in enrollment due to the termination of their art program caused an even greater loss in tuition and fees that was financially detrimental to the institution and much higher than a faculty salary and related art department expenses. This research initiated their search for a new art instructor who was hired in the fall of 2016.
We need to express to the administration and board that cutting more programs for students is only going to lead to even less enrollment. The amount of cost-saving now IS detrimental to the future of the students and communities we serve and the mission of the institution. SIC needs a Visual Art program.