The School of Media and Public Affairs Documentary Center is putting its documentary filmmaking program on hold for one year, according to a release.

The program will not accept applications for spring 2021 following the departure of Nina Seavey, the program head, later this month and “considering the extraordinary circumstances we are facing,” the release states. The Columbian College of Arts and Sciences will work with SMPA officials on a plan for the next “iteration” of the Institute for Documentary Filmmaking and its certificate program, according to the release.

“The Columbian College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Media and Public Affairs recognize the extraordinary work of Professor Seavey whose energy and vision has made this program such a success,” the release states.

Seavey, who founded the center in 1990, is leaving to pursue an investigative podcast about U.S. government surveillance of citizens involved in anti-Vietnam War protests.