Harvard University’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is moving forward with a proposal to collaborate with peer institutions to expand instruction in less commonly taught languages. gave Harvard Crimson. The project, known as the Shared Course Initiative (SCI), will allow students to enroll in language courses offered by partner universities, including Yale University, Columbia University, and Cornell University. Under the proposal, students will be able to participate in courses available at their home campus through a cross-registration system. Classes will be conducted using teleconferencing as well as in-person attendance at the respective institutes.
The pilot program will begin in 2026.
According to Harvard Crimsonthe FAS Foreign Language Advisory Group has proposed a two-year pilot program with Colombia starting in the fall of 2026. Harvard will offer and acquire at least one language course during the pilot phase. If successful, the university will enter into a five-year agreement to fully participate in the initiative beginning in 2028. The proposal has been unanimously approved by the FAS Faculty Council.
Focus on less commonly taught languages.
Organizers said the move is aimed at expanding language offerings while addressing challenges related to low enrollment in certain courses. Many of the less commonly taught languages at Harvard are currently offered as tutorials, often serving one or two students and requiring significant faculty resources. Under the SCI model, up to 12 students can be enrolled in participating institutions for courses. Students will receive Harvard credit and grades even when courses are taught by partner universities. About one-third of the languages available through this initiative are not currently offered at Harvard. Harvard Crimson These include languages such as Finnish, Ukrainian, Zulu, Punjabi, Cherokee and Khmer. According to Mark C. Elliott, vice provost for international affairs, Harvard can participate in courses in Uyghur, Chagatay, and languages offered through its African languages program.
Financial pressure behind this move
The proposal comes amid financial challenges within the FAS. The division reported an estimated structural budget deficit of $365 million last year. FAS also cut the budget for non-tenure track faculty in all divisions by 25 percent. Language programs are among those affected, as they rely heavily on such faculty. University-wide hiring bans and tenure limits have added to the hurdles. As suggested by Harvard CrimsonTutorial-based language offerings cost Harvard nearly $440,000 in fall 2024 alone.
Faculty express concerns.
During a faculty meeting Tuesday, some professors expressed concerns about the potential impact of the move. Allison Frank Johnson, chair of the German Languages and Literatures Department, said the program could be used to justify reducing language instruction at home. He cited the Scandinavian program, which currently has a single tenured preceptor. FAS spokesman James M. Chisholm declined to comment on the concerns.
Management response
Vice Provost Mark C. Elliott said the move is intended to complement existing language offerings, not replace them. “Courses in the Joint Course Initiative cannot replace the Harvard language instruction that is already here, so it is not going to displace anyone from their current position,” he said during the meeting, as reported. Harvard Crimson. He added that the exchange would be limited to less commonly taught languages.
