Ithaca College Creates a New Interdisciplinary Studies Division

President Peggy R. Williams has approved the creation of the Division of Interdisciplinary Studies to oversee the origination and administration of programs that cross school-based boundaries. The division will initially include the Center for the Study of Culture, Race, and Ethnicity; the Center for Teacher Education; the Office of International Programs; and the Gerontology Institute.

"Establishing an administrative entity to encourage the development and promotion of interdisciplinary programs and to supervise interdisciplinary study is one of the key goals of the academic programs portion of the institutional plan," says Williams. "By putting an organizational structure in place, we can provide an environment that is conducive to advancing such programs of study."

Tanya Saunders (right), who has served since 1996 as assistant provost for special programs, has been named assistant provost and dean of interdisciplinary studies.

"This is an exciting opportunity to work with all segments of the College's academic and administrative divisions to meet the current and future needs of our students," says Saunders. "We will be developing policies and procedures that will make it easier for faculty members to offer interdisciplinary studies, either within an existing unit or across units. This flexibility is intended to enhance --- not diminish --- the ability of the individual schools to serve their particular constituencies."

An interdisciplinary studies task force formed last spring had submitted a report recommending creation of the new division. In addition to the existing programs under its auspices, the division may soon be considering proposals for possible new majors in legal studies, global studies, and culture and communications.

"Rather than disband the task force, it will evolve into a steering committee to collaborate with Dr. Saunders in working out implementation details for the division," says Peter Bardaglio, provost and vice president for academic affairs. "While a great deal of work has been done to get us to this point, we recognize that this is an ongoing effort and we will continue to focus our resources and attention to ensure its success."