The spring semester at Hampshire was one of uncertainty. Just as we were mid way into celebrating CBD’s 15th anniversary, we received word about the college’s financial straits and decision not to admit a fall class. We had to reorient our focus and help the College move to more solid footing.
Our first priority was to support students as they processed the news of Hampshire’s difficulties.
We’re pleased to say that the CBD Student Group and Living Learning Community provided a safe and calming space for students to ask questions, be reassured, find community, and focus on their academic work. The Research Grants program provided students with vital funding to complete Division III projects or build their Division II portfolios.
(See the full description below of our most recent student grants cycle.) CBD also provided staffing and funding for many collaborative programs and events on campus to support student well-being and academic inquiry.
Looking ahead to the 2019-20 academic year, we want to update you on where the program stands and our outlook for the future.
Staffing
: The good news is that the CBD program will continue to be staffed through the summer and next year. The sad news is that Dr. Pamela Stone will step down as faculty director as of June 30, 2019, so that CBD can continue to be staffed. Amy Dryansky, the CBD assistant director, will move into the position, which will give CBD one full-time staff member. Dr. Stone will continue to teach at Hampshire, and is co-writing a book with Dr. Lise Sanders, Hampshire faculty and CBD steering committee member. The book,
Female
Bodies and Lives in Victorian England
, is expected to be out in Spring 2020 from Rutledge. Dr. Stone has provided leadership to CBD for six years--we thank her for her dedication and advocacy on behalf of the program—she will be missed.
Programs
: CBD’s core programs will remain intact. We will continue our robust Student Group and Student Grants program, which are central to the academic trajectory of many Hampshire students, providing advising, mentorship and funding as they explore, experiment and solidify their Divisional focus. The Living Learning Community will be on hiatus, as there are so few first-year students entering in Fall 2019. We will, however, be deeply engaged in collaborative efforts with the academic and student life programs on campus to design and deliver the best possible mix of supportive programming to students during what is sure to be an interesting, but challenging year.
Funding
: CBD’s endowment campaign for the Student Research Fund will be on hold, as we focus our efforts on supporting the College’s capital campaign. We are grateful to all who have contributed to the endowment and want to reassure you that those funds will continue to be used exclusively for student grants. We will also look into how to sustain the program in the future, possibly through grant funding and/or creative partnerships on and off campus. If you have any leads on grant sources or other potential forms of support, please be in touch!
Our community’s commitment to Hampshire has truly been amazing, and we are so grateful for your steadfast encouragement. Please feel free to be in touch if you have any questions or concerns.
