College of Human Ecology makes changes to departments

College of Human Ecology makes changes to departmentsMarch 12, 2008Jaime Winne Alvarezjlwinne@syr.edu

In order to better streamline governance and function within the newly renamed College of Human Ecology at Syracuse University, the college is separating the existing Department of Nutrition and Hospitality Management into two single academic units, to be called the Department of Nutrition Science and Dietetics, and the Department of Hospitality Management. The college is also changing the status of the Sport Management Program to the Department of Sport Management.

These departmental changes come following the official name change of the college, formerly the College of Human Services and Health Professions. The decision to make changes to department names was approved by the University Senate and its Committee on Academic Affairs, which found that the growth of the college is best achieved through guided, independent department status.

In the case of nutrition and hospitality management, both fields of study have seen an increased national interest and are very diverse programs with diverse needs. The continued success and growth of these programs requires that they operate independently in order to enhance their outcomes and accommodate a surge in student interest and enrollment. The Sport Management Program began as a widely popular major, and all indicators point to continued growth. The program is well supported by stakeholders in professional sport management circles and has proven itself ready for department designation.

“I am very pleased that the University Senate voted to support these changes. Each of these departments is academically distinct and robust in student enrollment, therefore it is important that they be recognized, to reflect the investment and academic trajectory planned over the next few years in the college,” says College of Human Ecology Dean Diane Lyden Murphy.

The College of Human Ecology represents the educational outreach and research aspirations of its diverse departments, which each focus on the human — as a single individual in a family, in a group or in the community — and the promotion of physical, emotional and social well-being through personal development, social relationships, workplaces and leisure.

For more information on the College of Human Ecology, visit http://humanecology.syr.edu.