Latin is a dead language — especially in Louisiana.
The University’s bachelor’s degree program in Latin was one of four degree programs terminated by the Board of Regents on Wednesday and the last public installment in the state of Louisiana.
The program was terminated after an intensive evaluation by the Regents’ Academic and Student Affairs Committee. It was one of 456 state programs reviewed based on low graduation and retention rates.
And while the Regents justified the cut with talk of “efficiency,” not everyone agrees.
“I find it scary that not one university is going to have a [bachelor’s degree] in Latin anymore,” said board member Robert Bruno. “It’s our foundation for communication.”
Bruno said the ability to communicate and to teach others to do so is crucial.
“I think we are going to shoot ourselves in the foot,” he said.
Jane Poynter Webb, Latin and classical studies instructor and University Latin alumna, said the loss will be devastating to the state and to students.
“We are weakening a struggling flagship,” Webb said. “It makes no sense.”
Webb, who is being forced into retirement because of the cut, said students currently enrolled in the program will be able to complete their degree programs, but no new students can enroll.
James Arceneaux, Latin freshman, is one of those students.
“This is one of the unfortunate consequences of budget cuts,” Arceneaux said. “It’s necessary, but I wish it wasn’t my program.”
Arceneaux said he does not see the status of his degree diminished because of the termination.
“There will be less competition in the job market,” he joked.
Arceneaux said his goal was to teach Latin at the University one day.
“Now it’s all very uncertain,” he said. “It’s a wait-and-see game.”
Arceneaux said the loss has been difficult to deal with, but he is dedicated to the program.
“I want the students to stick with it — it’s not over,” Webb said. “With the six and a half faculty members still here, it’s worth fighting for.”
Webb said the program’s remaining instructors are dedicated to the success of what is left of the classical studies program.
Webb said the course offerings for a minor in Latin are still available. She said taking the courses can be useful for a variety of career fields.
“Studying Latin enhances overall education,” she said. “It makes a whole student.”
Webb said the program teaches critical thinking, attention to detail and discipline.
“If you want to be a scientist, an attorney or a doctor — Latin can help,” she said. “It introduces a depth to thinking and a whole culture.”
Rebecca Pearson, economics and sociology junior, said she enrolled in Latin because she thought it would make her a better candidate for graduate school.
“I started off in pre-med,” Pearson said. “I thought it would be my best option.”
 
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