But Peter Smith, the executive responsible for program closures, did not provide any evidence the university has completed the reviews and consultation required. He only offered his own opinion on the closure process so far.

“I have reviewed (student and alumni) concerns and our policy, and believe that the process is being properly followed,” Smith stated in an email.

He did not respond to a Dundas Star News request to specifically show how the university has ensured the Protocol For the Closure of Undergraduate Programs has been met, including meeting specific criteria for program closures.

Fourth-year honours Art History student Adam Belovari said university administrators have not specified any reasons for the program to be closed, and have not shown how Art History meets any of the eight criteria for closure listed in the protocol.

No reports or studies recommending closure or reviewing the closure criteria met by the program have been provided to the Dundas Star News. Belovari also suggested a requirement to notify the art department about the proposed closure and discuss it with faculty was not met.

“Faculty members in the School of the Arts and in Humanities did not discuss this proposal, nor did they vote on it,” Belovari said.

He said students were assured the proposal would not proceed to undergraduate council until their input was considered. But Belovari said the recommendation was “rushed” to the council on Feb. 23 without input from Art History students or faculty.

Smith countered there has been “extensive” consultation and a faculty vote but he did not provide any details, evidence or vote results.

Smith did not say why the program has been recommended for closure.

Internal and external reviews of the program both offered recommendations for improving Art History –including partnering with other departments and adding additional faculty -but neither suggested ending the program.

According to Smith, the recommendation to close the Art History program is scheduled to go to the University planning committee on March 17 and to the Senate on April 14.