Three academic departments face the prospect of moving effective July 1, 2011 announced USI President Linda Bennett March 14.
The departments of physical education and teacher education will be a part of the Pott College of Science and Engineering and the department of social work will be a part of the College of Liberal Arts.
“This is really a bold move for the university,” Bennett said. “It repositions these departments. Our intention is that the impact on students currently in the program should be invisible.”
The university assures students will notice no immediate changes, and students will have nothing to worry about in regards to their continuing education.
“I think if anything it will help,” said Chelsea Igel, senior elementary education major. “It can’t hurt us any more.”
According to Provost Ronald Rochon, this repositioning was in an effort to get ahead of the curb when it comes to teacher education and accreditation and to “elevate” the program, as well as to meet the increased emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) programs.
“Teacher education currently on a national scale is under criticism,” Rochon said. “This I believe can really be identified as a proactive response to some of the national concerns of the profession.”
With the repositioning, the Pott College of Science and Engineering will essentially be doubling in its number of programs, faculty, students, etc.
The college currently has about 1700 students, but with the addition of two new departments, there will be almost 2500 students. 128 faculty will increase to 285 faculty.
“It’s a significant increase,” said Scott Gordon, dean of Pott College. “Between now and then we’re going to be looking at resources and budgets in order to make sure it’s a win-win for faculty and students. The resources will be there.”
While Pott College may be doubling in July, the Bower-Suhrheinrich College of Education and Human Services will essentially be no more, with it’s current faculty falling under their respective new colleges. Bennett said the Bower-Suhrheinrich programs and names will be maintained.
Dean Julie Edmister declined to comment.
A teacher education council comprised of deans, faculty, staff, students, alumni and the teaching community is supposed to be formed by fall of 2011, said Rochon.
“We’re going to form a council to have greater university input from the other colleges,” Rochon said. “We can’t do this alone. This needs to be a collaborative effort.”
Gordon also mentioned the theme of collaboration. He said the restructuring allows for the potential collaboration between programs in things like research, program quality and program innovation.
“What we really need to focus on is this is going to be a college that remains student-centered,” Gordon said.