FAQs
What is the history of ACM off-campus study programs?
Who served on the Off-Campus Study Committee?
What type of information did the Off-Campus Study Committee review?
Why is ACM discontinuing their role in off-campus study programs?
Which ACM student programs are impacted by this announcement?
Which programs are still accepting applications?
Will these programs be offered by another provider?
Will ACM still maintain records in case students need a transcript for graduate school?
Who should I contact if I have more questions?
Return to the announcement.
What is the history of ACM off-campus study programs?
ACM was an early leader in developing high-quality off-campus study programs, launching its programming in the 1960s at a time when there were few off-campus study options for students and faculty. ACM offered a variety of programs internationally and domestically over the years. ACM sunset the portfolio of international programs and the ACM Chicago Program in 2018-2019.
For more than five decades, more than 20,000 students and 350 faculty members have participated in enriching experiences in 30 programs around the world as part of ACM’s programs.
In May 2022, ACM announced a pause on its three managed off-campus study programs which include: Field Museum Semester, Newberry Seminar, and Oak Ridge Science Semester. The Board of Directors authorized an Off-Campus Study Committee to be created to assist in the review of the programs in light of enrollment and operational challenges and to make recommendations to the Board in November 2022.
Who served on the Off-Campus Study Committee?
The Committee included representatives from eight of the 14 ACM campuses serving in off-campus study, academic affairs, student affairs, career services, and finance roles. Additionally, two ACM staff members served on the Committee.
What type of information did the Off-Campus Study Committee review?
Over the last several months, the Committee reviewed enrollment trends, break-even budgets, recent faculty interest, student interest in domestic programs, and other factors impacting ACM’s programs.
Why is ACM discontinuing their role in off-campus study programs?
ACM staff, the Off-Campus Study Committee, and ACM’s governing boards recognize the importance ACM off-campus study programs played in ACM’s history and in the lives of student participants, faculty directors, and program staff. At the same time, the market for off-campus study has grown increasingly competitive and ACM’s programs serve a narrow and decreasing student audience. Ultimately, the Committee did not see the three ACM-managed programs meeting current or future campus needs at a sufficient level to warrant their continuation. Therefore, new programming outside of off-campus study will be the focus of the consortium’s work going forward.
ACM’s new strategic plan includes a focus on developing and cultivating leaders, fostering inclusive and equitable environments, building community and advancing well-being, and also includes space for incubating innovative ideas and refining existing programs.
Which ACM student programs are impacted by this announcement?
The three ACM-managed programs will be discontinued immediately. The three programs—Field Museum Semester, Newberry Seminar, and Oak Ridge Science Semester—were on pause through academic year 2023-2024 and will no longer operate.
Which programs are still accepting applications?
ACM will maintain relationships with both Japan Study and River Semester during the 2023-2024 academic year to support students through the current application cycle. Japan Study and River Semester will continue to operate and accept applications on their own schedules. Interested students should contact their off-campus study office for more information.
Will these programs be offered by another provider?
Member campuses of ACM and Great Lakes Colleges Association (GLCA) have the opportunity to assume management of any of ACM’s directly managed programs. ACM will provide information to any campus that is interested. Any updates and announcements will be made on the program websites.
Additionally, each program website lists opportunities currently available to faculty and students directly through the partner institution.
Will ACM still maintain records in case students need a transcript for graduate school?
Yes. Program alumni can continue to request copies of their grade recommendation form from ACM for the Newberry Seminar. ACM did not launch either Field Museum Semester or Oak Ridge Science Semester, so ACM does not have alumni of those programs. Students who attended the Oak Ridge Science Semester when managed by Denison University can contact Denison University for their transcript.
Who should I contact if I have more questions?
If you have more questions, you can contact:
Michael Vertovec, Associate Program Manager
Betsy Hutula, Chief Operating Officer and Vice President for Administration
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