Film and theater to remain separate

by Amanda Metcalf
THE POST

The Schools of Film and Theater will remain separate entities within Ohio University's College of Fine Arts - at least for now.

Raymond Tymas-Jones, dean of the College of Fine Arts, told faculty members he would delay a decision on a merger until problems within the School of Film are addressed.

The idea for the merger came from the existing collaboration between film and theater students. According to a memo distributed by Tymas-Jones at a meeting Monday night, awareness of this informal relationship "prompted the investigation of (a merger) that would utilize and share existing resources."

The meeting was open to faculty members and students from both schools.

"Discussions with some faculty and students in the School of Film revealed a good deal of anxiety and opposition to the recommended merger," according to the memo. "Some concerns are valid. Other concerns are based on misunderstanding and misinterpretations of the Task Force report. In this antagonistic atmosphere, the genuine concerns about the quality of the graduate program and the educational experience have been obscured."

For that reason, Tymas-Jones said he delayed his decision until these concerns can be resolved. Members of the School of Film have acknowledged there are problem areas in their school, but said a merger is not the answer.

In his memo, the dean mentioned tasks to improve the program before a merger is possible - evaluating the school's program of study, finding efficient methods of collaboration with the School of Theater and bringing professionally experienced faculty and technology to the school.

Jennifer Vellenga, a graduate student in the School of Theater, said she was indifferent to Tymas-Jones' decision because the curriculum and existing collaboration would not have been affected by a merger, so the delay does not represent a drastic change in the program.

R. William Rowley, who recently resigned as director of the School of Film, said he was pleased with the decision. Rowley will continue to teach in the school.

Tymas-Jones' memo also said he would announce an interim director. A nationwide search will be conducted in the 2000-2001 academic year.

When a new director is found, new faculty will be hired and the film school will be on its way to correcting some of its problems, he said.

"The school has a chance to continue some work it has been doing and realize some good results," he said.

Those good results will let film and theater students continue to interact, he said, and as they collaborate, people will realize the need for a merger does not exist.

Tymas-Jones was out of town and unavailable for further comment.