A unanimous recommendation by the Department of French Studies to temporarily suspend admissions to their Master’s and PhD programs was supported by the School of Graduate Studies and the Faculty of Arts and Science.

“There has been a progressive decline in applications to graduate programs in French Studies that is not unique to Queen’s,” says Brenda Brouwer, Vice-Provost and Dean, School of Graduate Studies (SGS). “The goal is to deliver solid, challenging, and fulfilling programs to all students and to have a strong cohort of students contributing to the academic culture. The department will utilize this period of suspended admissions to restructure and revitalize their programs with that goal in mind.” 

This decision by the SGS was made after careful consideration, much consultation, and a review of the current status of the program. The department will use the time to review its programs so that it can move forward in the best way possible.

“All programs require a critical mass to support the research-intensive nature of graduate work, and if admissions are not suspended for a period of time that critical mass may wane in future years,” says Catherine Dhavernas, Head, Department of French Studies. “The planning work is in its early stages and we very much look forward to the innovations that will be introduced and the future delivery of strong, vibrant programs which will attract excellent applicants.”

For the 2012-’13 academic year, no PhD students were admitted to the program due to a lack of suitable applicants. 

The Department of French Studies currently has 14 graduate students (three MA, 11 PhD). Those students will be able to continue to work towards the requirements of their degrees.