Several staff who support professional graduate programs in the Sobey Graduate Programs Recruitment and Admissions office were let go last week. This was done at a time of year when applications for September are at a peak.
Professional graduate programs in the Sobey School are important revenue generators for SMU. The former staff members played important roles in processing applications and shepherding prospective students to remit their seat deposits for September. The loss of these administrative staff services compromises the efficiency and timeliness of the admissions process, and creates a risk of losing potential new students. The savings that SMU will realize by removing these staff positions will be offset by any loss in tuitions. It is uncertain whether or not the financial risks and benefits have been weighed and considered.
The decision was made on this President’s watch, and he has full confidence of the Board Chair.
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