Developing a new department culture When programs merge Dr. Aimee Shouse, Director Liberal Arts and Sciences Program Western Illinois University Dr. William Hoon, Chair Department of Broadcasting and Journalism

Western Illinois University - Four year public university offering 65 undergraduate majors, 37 Masters degrees, 2 doctoral degrees, as well as numerous certificate and pre- professional programs. Enrollment approximately 10,000 students Traditional, residential main campus located in Macomb, IL Metropolitan, non-residential campus located in Moline, IL, Quad Cities area.

Illinois Budget Woes The state has not passed a full-year operating budget in over 18 months. Several stop-gap measures have been passed to keep state colleges and universities open and to reimburse institutions for grants to low income students. Makes long-term planning very difficult. Creates uncertainty for students, especially low-income students.

When a budget is ultimately passed, cuts for higher education seem likely, if not inevitable. Universities have been pressured to be more efficient, which for smaller institutions has meant looking at combining and eliminating smaller academic programs. Pressure has come from various fronts: Governor and state legislature Illinois Board of Higher Education Boards of Trustees for individual institutions

Our Respective Situations Broadcasting and Journalism Liberal Arts and Sciences + 3 minors Journalism was moved from the Department of English and Journalism, in the College of Arts and Sciences, to an existing Department of Broadcasting, in the College of Fine Arts and Communication. The Department of Broadcasting and Journalism was the result of the merger. Three degree programs (African American Studies, Religious Studies, and Women’s Studies) in three departments were eliminated. Faculty were moved into one newly-created academic unit, anchored by an existing degree program: Liberal Arts and Sciences. The LAS programs had not previously been housed in a department, given their interdisciplinary nature.

Angst and gnashing of teeth ensued… Reactions varied greatly, ranging from Pleased (Broadcasting) Resistant (Journalism) Resigned (Women’s Studies) Stunned (African American Studies) Demoralized (Religious Studies).

Both emotional and practical challenges to chairing a newly merged department Broadcasting and Journalism – merger occurred in Fall 2015. Liberal Arts and Sciences + 3 minors – merger occurred Fall 2016. Given the relatively short time frame, our presentation is less about “best practices” and more of a presentation on “lessons from the trenches.”

Identify similarities Find connections between the disciplines

Identify similarities Find connections between the disciplines Revamp your mission statement and learning objectives

Recognize your Differences Avoid thinking “that’s the way it has been…” Redirect faculty so that you are moving forward

Cast a Vision Find the potential for growth

Cast a Vision Find the potential for growth Get people to work together

Decide What Stays and What Goes Committees

Decide What Stays and What Goes Committees Class schedules

Decide What Stays and What Goes Committees Class schedules Offices

Decide What Stays and What Goes Committees Class schedules Offices Classrooms

Decide What Stays and What Goes Committees Class schedules Offices Classrooms Evaluating Faculty

Encourage Faculty Establish reward structure

Encourage Faculty Establish reward structure Make sure new faculty is on board to working in joint department

Identify Curricular Issues Review curriculum

Identify Curricular Issues Review curriculum Consider realigning or eliminating

Identify Curricular Issues Review curriculum Consider realigning or eliminating How to cover course offerings

Utilize Social Media Effectively Popular way of distributing department information

Utilize Social Media Effectively Popular way of distributing department information Redesign website

Utilize Social Media Effectively Popular way of distributing department information Redesign website What you will promote and emphasize

Get Students Involved in Promotion Find ways to get faculty and students together Guest speakers Department picture Department meeting Awards banquet or dinner