Cornell College will discontinue majors in classical studies, French and Francophone studies, German studies, religion and Spanish for the 2026-2027 academic year, according to an open letter posted to the Mount Vernon college’s website Nov. 21.
The college will also eliminate its BMus K12, BMus Performance and BA Music general track programs while retaining choir and choral ensembles, contemporary and popular music, and musical theatre offerings, according to the posting. Other instrumental groups will be paused. Spanish will remain available as a minor.
According to the letter, Cornell College officials said they analyzed student enrollment data and student interest in consultation with Faculty Council to determine the changes.
“As we take steps to evolve for our collective future, please keep the faith that the Cornell you know and love remains the place you know and love,” the letter said. “Renewal and change are necessary to maintain our vibrant learning community for students today and tomorrow. ”
Current Cornell students pursuing majors in the affected disciplines will be able to complete their degrees through teach-out plans, which will be communicated to them. The history major will continue despite staffing changes.
The college said it plans to expand off-campus study courses and will offer language courses through an online provider or language schools abroad.
Affected faculty members have been notified of changes to their positions. The college did not disclose the number of faculty positions impacted.
“We have nothing but sincere gratitude for the contributions that members of the faculty and staff separating from the college bring to our community, and continue to be dedicated to preparing students for their futures with a dynamic, engaging, and interdisciplinary education rooted in the liberal arts tradition,” Cornell College officials said in the open letter. “We continue to be dedicated to our identity as a liberal arts institution, and our current efforts are rooted in adapting our program to the opportunities that students want and need in a changing global economy.”
