University reveals plans for department change
By: Kelley Holmberg
Issue date: 5/5/09 Section: News
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Students met with faculty and administration on Thursday afternoon to discuss the issue which has concerned many of the department's students since talk of the move began a few weeks ago.
Vice President of Academic Affairs Jamie Laurenz, along with Liberal Arts and Sciences Dean Mary Ayala and Fine Arts Dean Michael Sitton, explained the reasons for the move and tried to answer questions from concerned students.
"The communication department is … here to stay," Laurenz said in the meeting to calm worries that the department was being phased out. "What we've been looking at are ways for it to get even better."
Among the steps being looked at are a new curriculum, a new and more permanent department chair, and a new home at the College of Fine Arts.
The changes come at the recommendation of consultants who met with students, faculty, and administration last semester. Laurenz said the consultants touted the facilities and the enthusiasm of the students as the department's greatest strengths.
The consultants also listed the department's weaknesses, Laurenz said. The consultants found a lack of focus in the curriculum, a lack of unity over-all, and limited monetary resources.
Laurenz said he agreed with the consultants on all accounts, but that the lack of monetary resources is common for all programs as a result of the school's budget.
Despite the budget constraints, the consultants said they thought ENMU had the "potential to become the leading radio, television and film program in the state of New Mexico."
Finally the consultants felt the department should interact with the fine arts department to develop a larger digital cinema film focus. They recommended a move to the fine arts department because of the logical links between broadcast and film.