New Task Force to Focus on Interdisciplinary Studies

In an effort to facilitate the development of integrated study programs, interim provost and vice president for academic affairs William Scoones has commissioned the formation of the Interdisciplinary Task Force.

"The intent is to develop some policies and procedures that will make it easier for faculty members to offer interdisciplinary studies, either within an existing unit or across units," Scoones says. "Figuring out an approval process without compromising the existing curriculum processes, either at the school/unit level or the College level, is at the core of the effort."

Defining interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary study will be one of the task force’s duties. The group is also charged with creating an approval process for interdisciplinary programs, addressing the issue of joint appointments for faculty members, and making recommendations for an organizational structure and leadership that will encourage interdisciplinary programs.

The task force is seeking broad-based input from the campus community and expects to have a final report done by April 15. Anyone wishing to make a contribution to this initiative may contact any of the task force members.

Members of the Interdisciplinary Task Force

• Patricia Tempesta, Center for Teacher Education, chair
• David Dresser, Health Sciences and Human Performance
• Sandra Herndon, Organizational Communication, Learning, and Design
• Barbara Johnson, Anthropology and Jewish Studies
• John Krout, Gerontology Institute
• Michael Malpass, Anthropology
• Hormoz Movassaghi, Business Administration
• Tanya Saunders, Special Programs, Provost’s Office
• Richard Schissel, Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology