Architecture Program Report Tulane University New Orleans ...

levels as well. Given the quality of faculty (and staff), as has been noted in NAAB VTR
reports, this situation can only be constituted as a threat.
5. The increased competition from other school of architecture programs for
high-quality students at the undergraduate and graduate levels
Other programs—peer and aspirant—have been able to build new facilities, and have
thus upgraded the technology portions of their infrastructure and curriculum. Tulane has
historically lagged behind their peers in this respect, a situation that is only getting more
dire. If this is not corrected, it will be nearly impossible to build the graduate programs to
a degree not only commensurate with the School of Architecture's peers, but in any
terms. This can only result in a further diminishment of stature, and will surely
compromise any pursuit of national promise and distinction.
6. The relative lack of funding for graduate programs
Without significantly populated and stable graduate programs, any chance for increased
funding and recognition is severely compromised. This, however, depends on new
physical facilities and increased financial resources (as has been noted by NAAB VTR
criteria). The School of Architecture is losing students to other institutions directly
because of the lack of funding—an ongoing problem that has needed remedy for some
time. And the development of graduate programs is what a program logically depends on
to increase its promise and its distinction. Moreover, it is graduate students—coupled
with undergraduates—who can increase alumni participation and therefore visibility and
financial resources.
7. Peer institutions have lower tuition and better facilities
8. Economic downturn or a rise of interest rates
that will affect the environments of architectural production, and by extension the ability
for the school to raise contributions and continue levels of enrollment.
9. The increasing cost of technology