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Name change for communication program announced

July 2, 2004

KALAMAZOO--Western Michigan University's academic programs in communication now are collectively known as the WMU School of Communication.

Acting at its June 30 meeting, the WMU Board of Trustees approved changing the name of the Department of Communication to the School of Communication to recognize the size and diversity of communication offerings in a way that is in line with peer institutions. The change became effective with the start of WMU's current Summer II session, June 24.

"The size and diversity of the communication programs at WMU are commensurate with the development of a School of Communication," WMU Provost Daniel M. Litynski told the board when he outlined the proposal. "A school structure would facilitate the existing interaction among the faculty members who serve the diverse programs, while providing a showcase for each of the distinct undergraduate and graduate communication programs."

The School of Communication, which will remain in the College of Arts and Sciences, has the largest undergraduate enrollment in that college and offers more undergraduate degree options than any other department. Its faculty include members who study individual and small group communication behavior; organizational communication; mass media analysis, criticism and production; telecommunication and information management, technology, and interactive media; journalism; and public relations.

Media contact: Cheryl Roland, 269 387-8400, cheryl.roland@wmich.edu

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