RACHAEL ALVSTAD / Scroll
The Joseph Smith Academy is located right next to the temple in Nauvoo, Ill.

Trustees announce end of Semester at Nauvoo program

Adam Clark CLA01010@BYUI.EDU Scroll Staff

The 86 students who are currently enrolled in BYU’s Semester at Nauvoo program may be the last to study at the Joseph Smith Academy.

Last month, the BYU Board of Trustees issued a statement announcing the end of the Semester at Nauvoo program.

With an original enrollment of 40 students in 1994, BYU-Provo’s Semester at Nauvoo program has accommodated over 1,200 students in the last 12 years.

“This place and program are absolutely amazing!” said Amber Warner, a freshman from Hammett, Idaho, who is currently attending the program. “I feel so privileged to have this opportunity to learn more about [The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints], while walking where prophets once walked and having the magnificent temple right across the street”

According to the Semester at Nauvoo Web site, “students [in the program] can gain a unique on-site experience in the study of Church history, American history, literature, composition and teachings of the prophet Joseph Smith.”

The BYU Board of Trustees, which includes President Gordon B. Hinckley and other general authorities, posted the following notice on the BYU Web site.

“At this time, BYU and its Board of Trustees believe it is prudent to discontinue the Semester in Nauvoo program,” the Board said. “The university is very grateful for the many volunteer faculty, directors and staff who have made this program possible. It is also appreciative of the kind manner in which the students have been received by the Nauvoo community. The Winter 2006 Semester will mark the conclusion of the program.”

Although no official reason has been given, Evan Ivy, BYU- Provo’s Study Program director, suspects the age of the Joseph Smith Academy has something to do with the program’s cancellation.

“The facility is very old, the pipes are rusty and leaking, boilers are very old and the windows have become inefficient. It is estimated that it would cost $10 million to renovate,” Ivy said.

Church officials have made no announcements concerning the future of the Joseph Smith Academy, nor have they announced any plans to replace the Semester at Nauvoo program.

Many students and faculty who participated in the program expressed their sadness at hearing the program will not be continued.

“When I first heard about this being the last semester I was shocked, sad and yet grateful I somehow managed to hear about it and be accepted for the last semester here.

“I don’t understand why they would cancel such an amazing program, which has changed so many people’s lives. It is just too wonderful.

“My hope is that they will re-open the program in the future to give more students the same life-changing opportunities this program has given me,” Warner said.