Music therapy supporters call for review

Supporters of the College of Music’s music therapy program called for an external investigation into the program’s recommended elimination Tuesday, challenging administrators’ claims that no alternatives could prevent the program’s demise.

A group of about 16 music therapy students, faculty members, alumni and supporters questioned whether officials followed MSU’s academic program disbandment procedures, which include listening to stakeholders’ ideas and using their advice during the decision-making process.

Music therapy graduate student Virginia Anderson said administrators overlooked student proposals to save a portion of the program.

“I don’t believe the students or faculty members were considered,” Anderson said. “We were just told. We were supposed to be involved in the initial planning discussion. Clearly, we haven’t been. We feel like we haven’t been heard.”

The group filed a Freedom of Information Act, or FOIA, request Tuesday for materials related to the decision, Anderson said.

The College of Music submitted a moratorium — or freeze on admissions — on Feb. 6 in response to financial concerns. The moratorium went into effect this summer, but students enrolled in the music therapy program can continue in the program until they graduate. Recommendations for program eliminations are submitted to Provost Kim Wilcox for a final decision after approval by MSU’s governing bodies.

College of Music Dean James Forger said at an Oct. 20 Academic Council meeting he understood the program’s importance, but officials could not find a way to keep the music therapy program and the college’s core programs.

“I think it’s been a very deliberate and well-considered issue since contingency planning in 2006,” Forger said at the Oct. 20 Academic Council meeting. “There’s been considerable discussion with students, stakeholders, faculty — both individually and in a group and in academic governance.”

Frederick Tims, professor and chair of the music therapy program, said he disagrees.

“I was informed before it happened and I don’t consider that consultation,” Tims said.

Forger, who is out of the country on university business, could not be reached for comment.

Wilcox did not return calls seeking comment.

Roger Smeltekop, an associate professor of music therapy, said he believes there is a better way to cut the college’s budget.

“We feel alternatives were not adequately considered to totally terminating the whole program,” Smeltekop said. “We feel there were other alternatives.”

For Anderson and other students in the music therapy program, the fight to save it is personal.

“(The disbandment) is kind of like not knowing you’re losing your house,” Anderson said. “That’s this program to this profession. It’s our house and we call Michigan State our home. In two months, out of nowhere (and) without the ability to plan, the ability to talk, the ability to talk through, it’s been taken away.”