JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Over 300 miles away, a university in the Florida Panhandle extended a heartfelt message of support and action for the students impacted by the recent slash of majors at Jacksonville University.

The University of West Florida Williams School of Music will travel from Pensacola to visit Jacksonville on Wednesday and Thursday for JU music students to audition to find a new “musical home.”

JU announced that it would cut several arts programs and eliminate dozens of faculty positions. The university said the cuts would save about $10 million.

It’s a decision that has since received pushback from students who have expressed hurt and frustration with the changes.

“Dear Jacksonville University music students, We at UWF are heartbroken that you are losing your musical home, but we’d like to welcome you into ours,” the Facebook post read .

McKern said the department was shocked and saddened to hear of the abrupt closing of JU’s music program. So, to lend a helping hand, members of the department will be at the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus on 62 North Main Street from 2-5 p.m. on Wednesday and 9 a.m. to noon on Thursday, if needed.

“We’re trying to provide one option for them. If they choose to want to come to UWF. There’s a lot of great music schools in the state of Florida and the surrounding areas. But we just want to be one option,” McKern said.

A spokesperson for the department said eight students were already confirmed for an audition, and they are expecting walk-ins.

If you are a student interested in scheduling an audition, reach out to [email protected].