WLS Response to WCA Meeting

Was this the last directory ever printed?

Response to the WCA Special Meeting – November 13, 2024

On Wednesday, November 13, the Wells College Association of Alumnae and Alumni (WCA) convened a special meeting via Zoom, the first such gathering since their annual meeting on June 1st. This meeting, prompted by a petition from WCA members per the bylaws, was described as an opportunity for dialogue about the WCA's future and Wells College's enduring legacy.

Unsurprisingly, over 700 alumnae/i registered for the one-hour event. The WCA board requested written questions in advance while allowing live submissions during the meeting. Despite these measures, many attendees expressed frustration with the lack of substantive engagement, clear answers, or transparency.

Concerns About the Meeting

Structure and Accessibility:

• The meeting format—turning off the chat and providing no visibility of submitted questions—created a sense of isolation among attendees. This approach, coupled with scripted responses, left many feeling unheard.

Time Management:

• The meeting unexpectedly adjourned after 45 minutes, leaving scores of pre-submitted and live questions unaddressed.

Unanswered Questions (a sample of those submitted by WLS officers):

• Is Manhattanville University still the intended “legacy” partner for Wells, in line to receive all the school’s remaining assets, archives, and artifacts?

• What committees now oversee the disposition of assets, and do they include WCA representation?

• In what ways has the WCA Board meaningfully represented the WCA membership during the closure process?

• Will alumnae/i be notified in advance of auction sales of the College’s archives and artifacts?

• Why hasn’t the WCA become a newly formed nonprofit organization independent from the College Administration, as promised over the summer?

Broader Critique of the WCA’s Approach

The meeting also exposed more significant issues within the WCA's approach to alumnae/i engagement. Notably, several panelists were members of the Board of Trustees, yet they claimed they could not discuss board-related matters. This contradiction undermines trust, as these individuals are uniquely positioned to address such questions. Instead, they avoided meaningful engagement, delivering vague platitudes and scripted responses that felt dismissive.

The abrupt decision to end the meeting early further alienated attendees. While addressing difficult questions may have been challenging, acknowledging limitations openly would have been a more honest and respectful approach. 

While the WCA has stated that the college cannot afford specific operational changes, honesty and transparency cost nothing. The alumnae/i community deserves straightforward communication, not carefully crafted narratives designed to dissipate unease. Avoidance and deflection will not resolve concerns or diminish alumnae/i commitment to accountability.

Next Steps

The Wells Legacy Society and other concerned alumnae/i remain committed to preserving Wells College’s heritage. We urge the WCA to address these issues publicly, provide a timeline for actionable steps, and foster meaningful collaboration with its members.

Continued deflection and lack of transparency will only escalate dissatisfaction. By engaging in genuine dialogue, the WCA can rebuild trust and honor the enduring legacy of Wells College.

• Letter to the Editor 11/21/24 - Still too many unanswered questions about Wells College