On the horizon: A new department name
b.chapman
Simplification is good. Except when it’s not.
Consider the last two times the WSU College of Education changed its structure. In 1994, the college was reorganized into three departments: Educational Leadership and Counseling Psychology, Teaching and Learning, and Recreation and Leisure Studies. In 2001, that third department was dropped.
Our kinesiology (physical education) and sport management programs are part of the Department of Educational Leadership and Counseling Psychology (ELCP), but the name doesn’t reflect that. As a result, two vital components of our college are hidden.
We’re planning to set things straight. Department Chair Kelly Ward is leading the charge for a name change that reflects all program areas in ELCP. There are two names still in the running:
- Leadership, Sport, Educational and Counseling Psychology
- Leadership, Sport, and Psychology Studies
The goal for this spring is to finalize the new name and fine-tune a departmental mission statement.
Though the naming process is well under way, we still have a final decision to make and Faculty Senate approval to secure. Meanwhile, we welcome your thoughts. What do you think of the options above? Any reflections on how the pending change fits into the history of our college? Feel free to share your comments on this blog post, or drop Kelly a note at kaward@wsu.edu.