Communication and Visual Arts Now Two UM-Flint Departments

UM-Flint's Department of Communication and Visual Arts has recently undergone a change that will offer more opportunities for faculty, staff, and students.

Last Thursday the University of Michigan Board of Regents approved dividing the Department of Communication and Visual Arts into two independent departments: the Department of Communication Studies and the Department of Art and Art History.

"We are excited to complete this transition to create two independent and vibrant departments and to see how their curricula and programs develop in the coming years," said Susan Gano-Phillips, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

According to documents from UM-Flint's College of Arts and Sciences, having the two independent departments will create more flexibility for faculty appointments, course scheduling, advising, and administrative tasks.

Dan Lair, PhD is the Director of the Applied Communication (MA) program within the Department of Communication Studies.

The change is also expected to allow each department to create a clearer sense of identity for its faculty, staff, and students.

The Department of Communication Studies will consist of six tenured or tenure-track faculty and four full-time lecturers, and the Department of Art and Art History will consist of seven tenured or tenure-track faculty with two full-time lecturers.

The change will become effective July 1.