In the last week of February during the Academic Council meeting, faculty members discussed proposed changes to Wellesley College’s degree requirements.
Under the current 3-3-3 distribution requirement, students must take three units of coursework in the humanities, three in the social sciences, and three in mathematics and natural and physical sciences, including one lab. The proposal suggests shifting to either a 2-2-2 model, requiring only two courses in each category, or a 2-2-3 model, slightly favoring STEM, for a period of three years.
Some faculty members expressed concerns that maintaining a 2-2-2 model which reduces humanities requirements, could weaken disciplines, particularly language studies.
Many professors expressed the need to support these fields, highlighting their importance to a liberal arts education. Others questioned whether the proposed changes align with Wellesley’s liberal arts values. One professor noted the importance of finding ways to sustain the humanities rather than simply mitigating their decline.
In response, Dean of Academic Affairs, Michael Jeffries, pointed out that a potential 2-2-2 distribution model would not necessarily lead to fewer humanities enrollments, but would offer students more flexibility by reducing prerequisite requirements.
The Administration emphasized their commitment to maintaining Wellesley’s liberal arts mission while balancing a broad curriculum with student autonomy in course selection.
Some suggested integrating Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) and humanities into single classrooms, such as combining STEM with ethics in interdisciplinary classes.
When asked if students had been consulted, faculty confirmed that no direct engagement had occurred, and that administration were not pursuing student voices at all. Administrators argued that, given the long term nature of the reforms — spanning at least three years — important policy decisions should account for evolving perspectives, not simply those of current students.
Contact the editors responsible for this story: Sazma Sarwar and Valida Pau
