#usc7

LOS ANGELES — The ongoing saga of the #USC7 and the beleaguered Roski MFA program at the University of Southern California (USC) entered its latest chapter today when the graduating class of 2015 released a letter calling for Dean Erica Muhl’s removal. Two months ago, the first-year MFA class dropped out en masse in response to “the University’s unethical treatment of its students” including changes made to their funding and curriculum instituted by new Dean Erica Muhl. Since then, the 2015 class boycotted their graduation in solidarity, while Roski School alumni issued a letter in support of the students. Throughout, Dean Muhl has denied the students’ grievances, even offering to re-admit them, an offer the students did not accept.

LOS ANGELES — In response to the recent decision of the entire first-year USC MFA class to collectively withdraw from their program, a group of over 70 alumni of the Roski School of Art and Design has issued an open letter of support. The missive is signed by over 90% of alumni from 2005 to 2014, including Elad Lassry, Alex Israel, Amanda Ross-Ho, Emily Mast, Jibade Khalil-Huffman, Sarah Rara, Ry Rocklen, Carolina Caycedo, and John Knuth, among many other prominent and well-respected graduates.

LOS ANGELES — Yesterday was Graduation Day at the University of Southern California, however there was a conspicuous absence at the commencement ceremony for the Roski School of Art and Design. All but one of the graduating MFA students boycotted the ceremony in solidarity with their first-year classmates who announced they would be dropping out in response to a withdrawal of funding and curricular changes, as per a statement released yesterday. The one graduating student in attendance was there to deliver a speech, which the Dean had originally cancelled, only agreeing to include student remarks this past weekend.