Leg Item

Faculty Association	January 8 , 2004

ITEM # 1

FA 04-01:

Submitted by the Executive Committee

Reorganization of the Department of Communications and Visual Arts
In the College of Arts and Sciences

The faculty of the Department of Communications and Visual Arts, by a near unanimous vote (27 in favor, 1 opposed), have requested that their department be divided into two autonomous units, a Department of Mass Communications and a Department of Art and Design. The current combined department is among the very largest in the University. Separation will enable the autonomous units to function more effectively and efficiently. This proposal was reviewed by and received the strong and unanimous support of the College of Arts and Sciences' Planning and Budget Committee, a representative body of the faculty of the College. The proposal also has the strong support of Dean Mark Workman and Vice President David Kline. The cost of the proposed division (approximately $20,000 deriving from salary increases for an internal chair and a USPS promotion) will be funded from COAS resources. If approved, the division of the department would become effective on July 1, 2004, at the beginning of the new fiscal year.