🚨IMPORTANT NOTICE🚨
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🚨IMPORTANT NOTICE🚨 -
‼️🚨A moratorium has been placed on the Irish Studies Program at the University of Montana, placing the program in immediate jeopardy. Without swift action, its future is at serious risk.
We urge you to read the attached information packet here for a fuller understanding of what is at stake, where the decision currently stands, and, crucially, what can still be done to help prevent its termination🚨‼️
© Ryan Brennecke
Q&A (MYTHS VS. REALITY)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
❓Is this just a pause of the minor?
💡No. The University has framed this as a moratorium of the Irish Studies minor, but the proposal also includes the termination of the Irish language program. That changes the nature of the entire program.
❓Why are minor-completion figures being disputed?
💡Because minor completion is only one metric, and a narrow one at that. It does not measure overall student demand, course enrollment, participation, or the broader value of the program. Irish courses continue to show strong enrollment and interest.
❓If some courses remain, why is this such a big deal?
💡Because the Irish language is the foundation of the program. Without it, the exchange programs, cultural infrastructure, and distinct academic identity of Irish Studies at UM are deeply damaged.
❓Will exchange programs really be affected?
💡Yes. Key parts of the exchange relationship with University College Cork and related internship opportunities are tied directly to the language program. The administration has downplayed this risk.
❓Are clubs and cultural activities really in danger?
💡Yes. Programs like the Irish Club and Grizzly Hurling Club depend on the students and instructors who come through the language program and related exchange structures.
❓Is this decision widely supported inside the University?
💡No. There is significant internal opposition. The University’s curriculum review body unanimously rejected the recommendation to eliminate the Irish language and program, and additional concern is being expressed more broadly within the academic community.
❓Why are people concerned about the process?
💡Because the decision has been presented through selective figures and incomplete descriptions, and because the full consequences of removing the Irish language have not been honestly communicated to the public.
❓Is this just a pause of the minor?
💡No. The University has framed this as a moratorium of the Irish Studies minor, but the proposal also includes the termination of the Irish language program. That changes the nature of the entire program.
❓Why are minor-completion figures being disputed?
💡Because minor completion is only one metric, and a narrow one at that. It does not measure overall student demand, course enrollment, participation, or the broader value of the program. Irish courses continue to show strong enrollment and interest.
❓If some courses remain, why is this such a big deal?
💡Because the Irish language is the foundation of the program. Without it, the exchange programs, cultural infrastructure, and distinct academic identity of Irish Studies at UM are deeply damaged.
❓Will exchange programs really be affected?
💡Yes. Key parts of the exchange relationship with University College Cork and related internship opportunities are tied directly to the language program. The administration has downplayed this risk.
❓Are clubs and cultural activities really in danger?
💡Yes. Programs like the Irish Club and Grizzly Hurling Club depend on the students and instructors who come through the language program and related exchange structures.
❓Is this decision widely supported inside the University?
💡No. There is significant internal opposition. The University’s curriculum review body unanimously rejected the recommendation to eliminate the Irish language and program, and additional concern is being expressed more broadly within the academic community.
❓Why are people concerned about the process?
💡Because the decision has been presented through selective figures and incomplete descriptions, and because the full consequences of removing the Irish language have not been honestly communicated to the public.
What you can do to support:
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Use the contact information below to send a short message explaining why the program matters and why the Irish language should remain at UM.
Regent Chair Todd Buchanan: RegentBuchanan@montana.edu
Regent Vice Chair Loren Bough: Regentbough@montana.edu
Regent Dean Folkvord: RegentFolkvord@montana.edu
Regent Heather Hoyer: RegentHoyer@montana.edu
Regent Jeff Southworth: RegentSouthworth@montana.edu
Regent Daniel Spoon: RegentSpoon@montana.edu
Student Regent Carter Jasper: RegentJasper@montana.edu
Clayton Christian - Commissioner of Higher Education and current Interim President of UM: cchristian@montana.edu
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You can look up your legislator here:
https://www.legmt.gov/districts/
Tell them:
the Irish language program at UM is at risk
the decision is moving quickly
you want them aware of the issue
program is tied to Montana history and international partnerships
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Comment on our Facebook post or make your voice heard by submitting a comment on our website about what the program has meant to you. We will compile testimonials and public comments and share them with decision-makers.
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If you are part of an organization, school, cultural group, exchange partner, or community institution, please consider sending a letter of support.
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Talk about it. Share our posts. Text people. Bring it up over coffee. Print some flyers and put them around town! (PDFs of flyers are available under key resources below). This campaign depends on people knowing what is actually happening before the decision is made.
OTHER KEY RESOURCES
