Stanford University’s Decision to Replace FLI Summer Programmes Sparks Backlash
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California, US – Stanford University has announced the introduction of a single summer bridge programme, replacing multiple pre-orientation programmes for first-generation and low-income (FLI) students. The decision has drawn sharp criticism from past participants and staff members.
Previously, Stanford offered multiple summer programmes, including SOAR, THRIVE, the Stanford Summer Engineering Academy (SSEA), and the Leland Scholars Program (LSP). However, due to increasing student interest surpassing available space, the university opted for a unified programme.
Despite the university’s justification, students and staff have expressed dissatisfaction, claiming they were not consulted before the changes were made. A Stanford affiliate told the Stanford Daily, “It was a very immediate eradication of anyone directly involved. Staff was not consulted. Scholars were not.”
The new summer bridge programme will only retain two staff members from the previous initiatives—Susie Morales and Kylee Beck—who will now work under the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education (VPUE)’s Advising department.
Stanford Defends Its Decision Amid Growing Criticism
In response to the backlash, Stanford University stated in an email that the decision was made following discussions with students, faculty, and staff involved in pre-orientation programming. However, former LSP residential assistant Kyia Cole (’24) dismissed this claim, saying, “If you wanted to do a programme like this, you wouldn’t talk to students or staff because they’d say, ‘No, that’s a terrible idea.’”
Now, the university is seeking student feedback to improve the newly launched initiative. However, students believe this consultation should have occurred earlier.
“It’s only after the decision has been made that we’re being talked to for advice,” said Bryan Monge Serrano. “It feels sloppy at worst and willful ignorance at best.”
As Stanford University moves forward with its new summer bridge programme, the lack of early engagement with students and staff remains a major point of contention. Whether the university will address these concerns meaningfully remains to be seen.
Source: SHIKSHA
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