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Calvin University's official student newspaper since 1907

Calvin University Chimes

Since 1907
Calvin University's official student newspaper since 1907

Calvin University Chimes

Calvin University's official student newspaper since 1907

Calvin University Chimes

The Downsize Pt. II: 'We're committed to uncertainty'

The Downsize Pt. II: ‘We’re committed to uncertainty’

Harm Venhuizen, Editor-in-Chief
November 13, 2021
As top-level administrators consider new ways of planning programs and making cuts, many faculty are dealing with the stress of such decisions.
The Downsize Pt. I: ‘If you can leave, please consider doing so'

The Downsize Pt. I: ‘If you can leave, please consider doing so’

Harm Venhuizen, Editor-in-Chief
October 6, 2021
Calvin is offering experienced professors up to 75 percent of their salary to resign. It's the latest in a series of budget-cutting initiatives.
Calvin will continue to offer minors in German studies and German education, but the German studies major has been eliminated.

German, Dutch students adapt to finish degrees after program cuts

Katherine Benedict, Campus and Community Co-Editor
September 30, 2021

When senior Esther Lagerwey got an email this summer telling her that the German major was being cut, she was nervous. Lagerwey is a double major in German and political science, and had only ever taken...

Members of the class of 2025 gather on campus for one of the few in-person admissions events last year.

Changes to enrollment strategy a step in the right direction; efforts continue

Harm Venhuizen, Editor-in-Chief
September 18, 2021

This year’s recruitment cycle saw a record number of applicants and a growing first-year class for the first time in eight years. But the future is anything but certain. Members of the enrollment division...

Denominational affiliations of incoming freshmen have shifted over the years, with a noticeable decrease in students from other Reformed denominations.

Freshman enrollment sees first growth in eight years

Highlights from the university's census data
Harm Venhuizen, Editor-in-Chief
September 12, 2021
Data from the university's census report suggests that size isn't the only thing that's different about the class of 2025.
Calvin's facilities department entered the school year with noticeable understaffing.

Understaffed and overworked: Grieving a gutted department, facilities grapples with transition

Isaiah TenHuisen, Staff Reporter
September 12, 2021

After losing over 50 percent of their coworkers in a transition to new management, the remaining facilities staff is left understaffed and overworked. This summer, Calvin announced that its in-house...

Ted Koopmans, Calvin's former head of building services, displayed a code of conduct in his office.

‘Complete betrayal’: Facilities changes met with criticism by staff and community

Abigail Ham, Managing Editor
July 21, 2021

Over his desk in the basement of DeVos Communication Center, Ted Koopmans kept a copy of his personal code of conduct. “Ted Koopmans is expected to exemplify personal integrity, honesty, respect, humility,...

Students in Calvin's German program enjoy a trip abroad. The German major was among those cut by university officials.

Facing financial strain, university cuts programs, 2 tenured profs and facilities department

Harm Venhuizen and Abigail Ham
June 10, 2021

After reviewing recommendations from the Academic Program Review, university officials have decided to cut five major programs, seven minors and its in-house facilities management, according to a faculty-wide...

The University has decided to cut several majors and minors, including Art History, Theatre, and Japanese.

Zombie majors: students struggle to finish their degrees as the university cuts programs

Ezra Craker, Staff Reporter
March 4, 2021

Junior biochemistry major Katherine Koning fondly remembers using paint as a prop in another student’s choreographed piece for the dance minor showcase. As a freshman dance minor, Koning had four years...

COVID-19 hit small universities’ finances hard this summer. Here’s where it’s left Calvin.

COVID-19 hit small universities’ finances hard this summer. Here’s where it’s left Calvin.

Harm Venhuizen, Managing Editor
September 3, 2020

Faced with a projected $13 million decrease in revenue this year, Calvin made numerous cuts to personnel and programs over the summer. Calvin, however, remains financially stable, University President...

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