A prospective student decided against attending Mills because of possible cuts to the modern languages department, according to an e-mail leaked to the Weekly.
The e-mail, written by an admissions official, said that the prospective student found out about the possible cuts from current Mills students and in articles in the Weekly when she attended the modern languages and literature department open house.
The official who discussed the prospective’s concerns with her pointed out that Mills students can register at Berkeley for language classes, according to the e-mail.
However, the student was also disappointed that only French had an operating language house. The Spanish and German language houses were cut last year.
Dean of Undergraduate Admissions Avis Hinkson said she was unsure if the cuts would have an impact on recruiting overall.
“I think we are very aggressive in how we recruit, but I can’t address any cuts and the effect that would have on admissions,” she said. Hinkson refused to comment further on the proposed $2 million in cuts and admissions.
Applications to Mills are up about 30 percent for the fall and this year’s enrollment was more than 1,200 students, a four percent increase from last year.
About 45 percent of the college’s operating budget comes from student tuition.
