Student Issue, 1996—Dance Program

Approximately 150 students interested in dance met to form a lobbying group to advocate for continuance of the minor in dance within the College of Education. The college had indicated that it was evaluating its programs because of budgetary constraints, and the students were concerned that dance would be a victim of any cuts. The group decided upon the name Dance Society of UT for its organization and began the process of registering as a student organization. The students adopted as their first priority making the college administration realize that the dance program serves a significant number of students and that those students might have to go elsewhere if dance were not offered. At the time, UT was the only university in Tennessee offering a dance minor. The society circulated a petition and sought support from other students. The students sought assistance from the Student Government Association at its February 26 town meeting, and a resolution was passed by SGA that urged keeping the program. The group was also advised to work with the Undergraduate Academic Council.