April 15th: There was a lot of chaos after the forum on Thursday, April 10th. We are trying to get a video of the forum uploaded. To those who went to the forum, please go to the How to Help page and email all of the people listed there about your frustrations at the lack of answers and the clear display of audism that was displayed. If you get responses from the administration, please email us so we can add them to our Student Emails to Administration page. It's important we hear all of their responses. 

Thank you so much for supporting us!

What's written here is a complete timeline of the information all students have received from the administration. If you read the emails, you will find that the administration as not given students a plan to complete the minor at UMD; they have only provided a class guide to other colleges and later promised a "pathway forward". We don't know when or how we will be able to complete our minor at UMD. Administration has given us blanket statements meant to reassure our concerns without actually answering our questions or giving us a space to voice our concerns.

***Update as of Monday, April 8th 2:30 pm ***

We have just gotten a confirmation that UMD will offer courses for Deaf Studies students to complete the minor in the next 3 years, however, most classes for the Fall semester 2025 are still unavailable. We have now been offered a forum tentatively planned for Thursday, April 10th, in the Garden Room from 3-4pm. Thank you for helping us call out the administration to get the answers we deserve. 

Timeline of administration's information

Friday, March 28th, Chrissy Cariveau (a faculty member in the Deaf Studies Program) and Mary Soltis (ASL Lab Staff Member) had a meeting in which they were independently told the program was being cut.

Monday, March 31st at 11:25am, students received an email saying:

Good morning, [student];

I am writing today to inform you that effective immediately, UMD will no longer be offering the Deaf Studies minor. We will still be offering the 4 semester sequence of  ASL2001-3004. This was an extremely difficult decision that needed to be made in order to comply with the University of Minnesota mandate to reduce our budget. 

Since you have already completed (or have in progress) ASL 3003: Intermediate American Sign Language I or higher at UMD you have the opportunity to take courses through another school to fulfill the remaining requirements. UMD policy is that 3 credits at the 3000 level of a minor must be completed at UMD. CEHSP Advising has created this transfer guide to help students identify courses already reviewed as direct equivalents to courses required for the Deaf Studies minor. If it is your intention to attempt to complete the Deaf Studies minor, please indicate so here: Intention to complete minor form.

Thank you,

Ann

Ann M Miller, M.Ed.

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Director | Advising & Academic Services 

College of Education & Human Service Professions | cehsp.d.umn.edu

120 Bohannon Hall | University of Minnesota Duluth | d.umn.edu

Monday, following the news, students begain emailing administration follow-up questions.

Tuesday, April 1st, Cami Connolly started a petition on Change.org to save the Deaf Studies minor.

Thursday, April 3rd at 2:01pm students received an email saying:

Greetings all,

First, let me thank each and every one of you who have reached out to express your concern about the recent information that has been shared concerning the coaching minor and the deaf studies minor. I admire and appreciate your advocacy!

We are writing to provide currently enrolled students with additional information on changes to the coaching and deaf studies minors. We have heard questions from some of you regarding various details about the status of these programs following information that was shared about fall registration.

New enrollments in the deaf studies minor have been suspended beginning fall 2025. Any currently enrolled student will be provided a pathway to complete their program at UMD within a reasonable amount of time. The college administration and advisors are here to provide you with support for academic planning. Pausing new admissions to this program provides us the opportunity to consider its future structure, and that could include creating an ASL minor. 

Courses for the coaching minor continue to be available in the fall 2025 class schedule for new and returning students.

Registration for fall 2025 courses begins prior to final decisions on budget, staffing, and related university operations. Given this timing, some course offerings needed to be adjusted to provide flexibility as we finalize plans over the next few months. While changes to academic programs occur regularly, UMD’s mission to provide a well-rounded educational experience is not changing.

We are planning to hold a forum to hear from you and answer your questions. The details are still in the works and we will follow up when they are available. UMD aims for a strong sense of belonging and an enriching experience in all of our programs. We appreciate the passion and advocacy of the campus community.

Sincerely,

Jill P. Pastrana

--

Jill A. Pinkney Pastrana, Ph.D.

Dean

Pronouns: she/her/hers

University of Minnesota Duluth 

College of Education and 

Human Service Professions

www.d.umn.edu/cehsp

218-726-6537

Thursday, April 3rd at 4:32pm students received an email saying:

Hello,

Thank you on behalf of Chancellor Nies, Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Rebecca Ropers, and myself for reaching out to share your concerns regarding program changes under consideration for UMD.

Our top priority is to provide transformational education and research consistent with UMD’s broad mission. So, it is wonderful to read that the student experience at UMD has been, and is being, enriched by the opportunity to enroll and participate in Deaf Studies courses. We aim for that sense of belonging and purpose to be fostered in all programs for students at UMD.

Academic program offerings do change over time and they may suspend admission for new students. For programs that do change, currently enrolled students are provided a pathway to complete their program within a reasonable amount of time. 

Students enrolled in the Deaf Studies Minor should look for a message from CEHSP, which will provide additional information in this matter. The college administration and advisors will assist in future academic planning.

Registration for fall 2025 courses precedes final decisions on budget, staffing, and related university operations. Some current adjustments to course offerings are needed to provide appropriate flexibility as we finalize plans over the next few months.

Again, thank you for being engaged and sharing your perspective. UMD’s commitment to a healthy program array and transformational student experience is not changing, even as program offerings may change over time.

Best regards,

Matt Massman

he/him

Vice Chancellor for Finance and Operations

297 DAdB, 1049 University Drive, Duluth, MN  55812

University of Minnesota Duluth | d.umn.edu

mmassman@d.umn.edu | 218-726-7101

Friday, April 4th, the UMD school newspaper, The Bark, published its piece covering these events, which many students felt contained inaccuracies. Currently, the students have been emailing Bark representatives regarding the issue. 

Friday, April 4th at 2:21pm, Brynn Pachan sent an email to the Chancellor's Office, UMD Academic Affairs, Vice-Chancellor-Finance-And-Operations, Jill Pinkney Pastrana, and Scott Carlson

Dear Decision Makers at UMD,

We, the students of UMD, formally request an open forum to take place early in the week of April 7th to address the abrupt elimination of the Deaf Studies minor. This decision was made without warning, without consultation, and without input from the very students it directly impacts—students who are paying members of this institution. Additionally, there was no communication with the entirety of the Education or Deaf Studies Department, leaving both faculty and students blindsided.

Many of us have sought answers from you, yet our inquiries have been met with silence. The few responses we have received are inconsistent, unclear, and fail to provide a straightforward explanation. UMD claims engagement as a core value, yet you refuse to engage with the very students who are most affected. You claim inclusivity, yet you exclude us from critical decisions about our education.

The Deaf Studies minor is not just an academic program—it is a vital resource that fosters understanding, accessibility, and advocacy. Eliminating it strips students of the opportunity to gain meaningful education about a historically marginalized community, reinforcing barriers rather than dismantling them.

For many, the availability of this minor was a defining factor in choosing UMD. Through this program, we have built connections, broadened our understanding of Deaf culture and history, and gained invaluable knowledge. While some students, like myself, have been fortunate enough to complete the minor, others now face serious academic and financial consequences. Some are left scrambling to complete requirements with no clear path forward, while others may be forced to abandon their plans entirely. This is not merely an inconvenience—it is an act of exclusion and erasure.

We are not asking for courtesy; we are demanding accountability. The students of UMD deserve transparency, communication, and the opportunity to be heard. We expect this forum to be scheduled promptly and look forward to your response.

Sincerely, on behalf of Deaf Studies students,

Brynn Pachan 

Sunday, April 6th at 8:29 am, Brynn Pachan received an email back stating:

On behalf of Chancellor Nies, Executive Vice Chancellor Ropers, and myself, I want to thank you for sharing your concerns regarding program changes under consideration at UMD. Our top priority is to provide transformational education and research, so it is good to hear that students have been enriched by their experience.

In our efforts to optimize UMD's impact in our community, we regularly reevaluate academic program offerings to ensure we are meeting students' and community needs as well as we can given existing resources. We are currently in that review process and will make programmatic decisions in upcoming months. Given the programs we are discussing, we adjusted some course offerings in the fall 2025 catalog to ensure that students were able to begin registration with accurate information.

Students currently enrolled in Deaf Studies received a message from their college on April 3rd to supplement, clarify, and correct information that was sent on March 28th. Advisors in that college stand ready to answer students' questions and help them with academic planning. To be clear, students currently enrolled in a program will be provided a pathway to complete that program within a reasonable amount of time.

Again, thank you for urging us to keep UMD as strong as possible. We take community perspectives seriously. We are committed to offering a transformational experience that meets students' needs, even as we must make hard choices about how we must sharpen our focus given our current fiscal realities.

Matt Massman

he/him

Vice Chancellor for Finance and Operations

297 DAdB, 1049 University Drive, Duluth, MN  55812

University of Minnesota Duluth | d.umn.edu

vcfo@d.umn.edu /  218-726-7102

Sunday, April 6th at 2:52pm Brynn Pachan responded to the Chancellor's Office, UMD Academic Affairs, Vice-Chancellor-Finance-And-Operations, Jill Pinkney Pastrana, and Scott Carlson original email stating:

Dear Decision Makers at UMD,

It seems that despite multiple attempts to communicate, we have still not been heard. We have read your emails and announcements, but we remain without answers—and we are not satisfied.

You claim that students “will be provided a pathway to complete their program at UMD within a reasonable amount of time.” However, no concrete plan has been presented. There are no classes scheduled. Faculty have not been rehired. How are students expected to complete their program without instructors or coursework?

What does “a reasonable amount of time” even mean? Some students are set to graduate next year. They do not have time to wait. They need answers now.

You say this decision was made due to budget cuts, yet the Deaf Studies program is the only program being eliminated. Other minors, such as coaching, remain untouched. Why is Deaf Studies—one of only two programs like it in the entire state—the one to be cut?

You have not reassured us. Instead, you directed us to take classes at other schools, ignoring the financial and logistical barriers that prevent many students from doing so. That is not a solution—it is a dismissal of responsibility.

Have you consulted with students? Have you held any meetings with those directly impacted? Why was the decision made “effective immediately,” only to be walked back after outrage? We still do not have clarity. We are still left scrambling. We are still angry.

Deaf Studies is not disposable. It is vital. It is meaningful. And we are demanding that you treat it—and us—with the respect we deserve.

GIVE US OUR MINOR BACK.

Sincerely,

Brynn Pachan

–On behalf of concerned Deaf Studies students 

Monday April 7th from 2-4pm a student led protest was held around UMD campus

Sent by Jill Pinkney Pastrana to Deaf Studies students on Monday, April 7th, 7:39pm

Greetings (again) to all Deaf Studies minors,

I wanted to take a moment to share a couple of updates and clarify my previous message. We can confirm that UMD will offer courses over the next three years that will provide the opportunity for all currently declared Deaf Studies minors to complete the minor at UMD.

I also want to let you know that we are working to find a time for an open forum to hear your concerns more fully - I thank all of you who have already reached out - and share additional information that may be helpful. At this point the exact time is not confirmed, but we are hoping to hold this forum on Thursday afternoon. I will reach out again soon when the precise time and place are confirmed.

I look forward to meeting with you all.

Best - Jill

--

Jill A. Pinkney Pastrana, Ph.D.

Dean

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Monday, April 7th at 6:16pm Northern News Now published an article on the protest.

Monday, April 7th at 9pm FOX21 published an article on the protest.

Monday, April 7th at 11pm WDIO ABC published an article on the protest.

Tuesday, April 8th at 2:26pm Jill Pinkney Pastrana to Deaf Studies Students

Greetings all,

Following up on the forum for Deaf Studies.

We have reserved the Garden Room from 3-4:00pm this Thursday 4.10.25.

Thank you for your engagement and I look forward to hearing from you all.

Sincerely,  Jill

Tuesday, April 8th The Bark posted a follow-up article covering student perspectives and the protest.

Wednesday, April 9th at 6:49pm MPR published an article on the protest.

Thursday, April 10th at 3pm CEHSP Dean Jill Pinkney Pastrana held a forum to answer student, faculty, and community questions about the University's decision. Hopefully we will have the link to that recording soon.

Thursday, April 10th at 10:18pm Northern News Now published an article following the forum.

Monday, April 14th at 2:39pm Duluth News Tribune published an article.

Friday, April 25th at 11:40 EVCAA Rebecca Ropers sent this email to students and faculty of the program.

Dear Students:

Over the last few weeks, I have seen students, faculty, and staff advocate for what they value at UMD. I share the desire for a robust UMD that inspires meaningful learning and growth for many years to come, and appreciate the efforts of all those seeking to strengthen our community.

I am aware that some students are concerned about the decision to pause admissions into the deaf studies minor beginning in the fall of 2025. I have heard that students are confused and disappointed by what has been communicated about this decision. In an effort to broadly share clarifying information, this message is being sent to students, faculty, and advisors associated with the minor as well as students who have taken ASL courses this year. Feel free to forward this message to others who may be interested

First, to be clear, all students currently in the deaf studies minor will have an opportunity to complete their programs in a reasonable amount of time. I sincerely apologize for the confusion caused by the initial message sent to CEHSP faculty and advisors on March 28th. CEHSP is in the process of reviewing and finalizing courses to allow students to continue progress toward their deaf studies minor.

Second, it is important to share the larger context in which academic program decisions are being made. All units in the University of Minnesota System are reviewing their programs to ensure that we allocate available resources to enact our mission as powerfully as possible. In addition to an inclusive and consultative process with UMD leaders to identify potential efficiencies, we are working in partnership with others in U of M System leadership. While we do not yet know the outcome of this process, we know that future decisions will be guided by our commitment to UMD’s unique identity, student needs, community needs, and fiscal viability. We also know that given declining resources, difficult decisions will need to be made.

We have heard the advocacy for the deaf studies minor, and are actively considering how to continue to meet students’ needs. With Chancellor Nies and the rest of the senior leadership team, I appreciate your investment in our UMD community.

Sincerely,

Rebecca Ropers

Interim Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

If you have recieved any other emails from administration that contain relevant information and you want to share it please do so by forwarding the email to umddeafstudies.comm.messaging@gmail.com.