Dear CHE administrators,
You are welcome to share my comments with others at the
University of Minnesota. You appear to have any number of
committees with regards to the restructuring process, and are best
suited for knowing who might benefit from my comments.
First of all, I am a graduate of the University of Minnesota, College
of Home Economics, 1978, with a degree in Home Economics
Education. I have my graduate degrees (M.S. and Ph.D.) in Human
Development and Family Studies from Oregon State University. My
mother also graduated from U of M-CHE in 1952, in Home
Economics Education.
As an individual working in the field of family and consumer
sciences I have always been proud to be a graduate of such a good
program, one that is well recognized for the preparation given to
students. I feel the university is not only making a mistake in closing
the College of Human Ecology, but one that will have a negative
impact on the field in general. You state in your press releases that
the holistic approach will be continued. My response is, "no, it
won't". People need time and interaction with each other to keep
the holistic, life span approach of the field in the forefront of their
research and teaching agendas. Otherwise, we are simply experts
in our own little slice, but don't remember the whole.
It is tragic that programs serving individuals and families, focusing
on healthy life styles and optimal family functioning are the ones that
administrators first consider for closure. It's also not coincidental
that these programs have higher numbers of female students in the
majors.
As an alum, who has made donations to CHE student scholarships
in the past, I will be giving my donations to other universities in the
future, and will encourage my mother also to reconsider any gifts to
U of M. Although my donations have not been substantial, as we
have not had a raise of ANY type at my university in 4 years, every
little bit does count when it comes to support of education.
In closing, I am deeply disappointed in the University of Minnesota. I
don't care a bit about how the Gophers do in any sports activity, but
I do care about education.
Sincerely,
Cynthia J. Schmiege, Ph.D.
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Posted by: online directory main at May 15, 2006 8:55 AMI think the decision to merge the design disciplines into a new college is a very natural one, yet at the same time rather unique (considering that in all other university and design school arrangements I've seen, design is aligned with art rather than architecture). It should prove to both enhance and distinguish the U's status in the design world a great deal.
But as a recent CHE grad (MFA, 2004), I certainly have mixed feelings about the rest of the college going away. Its smaller size makes it very special, and I admire the work of the many individuals I know there and sincerely hope they all find new and satisfying positions elsewhere at our University if the plans go through. I sincerely believe they are some of the U's finest instructors, advisors and administrators.
As far as disciplines go, I always felt that design was particularly an odd fit in the CHE context, and that even the college as a whole seemed like a strange combination of academic pursuits that did more to serve administrative ends rather than fit logically together.
Yet as little as I thought human ecology's content and philosophy was relevant to my own discipline, I did like its sensibility--- and I hope that those with stronger human ecology backgrounds than I continue to assert these sensibilities and approaches to their fields in the resulting new configurations. I wish the best to all, and have confidence that the new proposals mean that the best is yet to come for the University of MN and those who have, up until now, been part of the College of Human Ecology.
Posted by: Kristofer Layon at April 23, 2005 3:06 PMI read with interest your letter of April first and am pleased to have the opportunity to provide comment on the proposed changes to CHE. I am a grad of CHE in Nutrition and Dietetics, a registered dietitian, and the mother of a newly accepted freshman to CHE. She is also interested in following the RD track.
I understand that the Department of Food Science and Nutrition may be integrated into the college of Ag. I would like to suggest that the the best "fit" for Nutrition is in the college of Biological Sciences. While Nutrition encompasses the science of safe food, it also encompasses the study of the role of food in human health and disease, which is why it would be better suited for the College of Biological Sciences. Not only is it a more appropriate college for Food and Nutrition based on the mission and present strengths, ingegrating it in the College of Biological Sciences would also elevate the perceived value of the degree in Nutrition and Dietetics, which unfortunately, has suffered some identity issues over the years. You may be aware of the changes in education requirements suggested by a task force of the American Dietetic Association which are designed to assure the continued value and viability of the profession of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Keeping Food Science and Nutrition linked has the same effect as keeping USDA in charge of Nutrition and Health Policy at the federal level. It suppresses the role Nutrtition plays in health promotion and disease prevention and emphasizes the business and industry aspects of food and agrigculture. This is one of the reasons there is so much conflict in attemps to create meaningul Nutrition Policy in our government. It's time to unyoke Food Science and Nutrition to better match the differing missions and strenghts of each.
Thanks you very much for the opportunity to comment on the future of CHE. Rosalyn Haase, RD/CD, CDE, MPH, BC-ADM
Posted by: Rosalyn Haase at April 19, 2005 8:39 PMDear CHE Administrators:
I received a letter today indicating that the College of Human Ecology, specifically the Department of Design will be joining the College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (CALA). As a recent graduate from both programs, B.S. Interior Design, 2003, and B.S. Architecture, 2004, I support this decision for many reasons. Both programs have certain strengths and weaknesses and together can absolutely create a 'whole' program that would greatly benefit designers in the future. I felt that the Interior Design program's strengths were the attention to design process and technical education, i.e. understanding codes and health and safety issues. The Architecture program's strengths, although still growing and developing, were understanding space as a whole, not just a spaceplan. Another strength was trying to get the student to look at materials in creative ways.
I highly encourage a strong dialog between the two entities because each can learn a great deal from the other. I cannot stress enough how each have strengths that can compliment eachother.
In this very competitive industry, especially outside the Twin Cities (I'm currently working in Las Vegas) there are skills a new graduate will need - 3D work, drawing, CAD Skills, Code Analysis, and understanding materials. Without a well-rounded education, graduates will not be able to compete.
I thank you for the opportunity to respond, and wish you all luck in this important endeavor. Both schools have done excellent work, and this great opportunity, if done correctly, will provide the groundwork to better design education at the UofMN.
Sincerely,
johanna r. friendshuh
Posted by: Johanna Friendshuh at April 19, 2005 8:35 PMIdeas presented for change seem like a broad stretch. But that kind of challenge is OK.
The department of design is concerned with human needs and adaptation to change, so it would fit in well with architecture. It is so broad it's difficult to forsee possibilities.
It would be a natural for food science to integrate with agriculture.
The component of family social science and college of education would seem like a logical combination from a broad perspective as I envision it from my distance and limited knowledge.
CHE is a place with a soul and I liked that about it. I had such a wonderful time working with all of you.
I love CHE and all that you/we stand for. I love the integrated way in which
the schools work together on ways to enhance life, work, housing, health,
relationships. If this change goes through I will grieve the loss of a home
in the university where I feel I belong. I'm sure it will be difficult for
you and for the faculty. But your vision in bringing the idea of
transformation to the fore was wonderful. And working on the shawls project
was one of the joys and beauties of my working life. Nothing changes that.
But if the change does go through, I think it is a sort of tribute t! o the
whole history of HE--in the larger picture. What I mean is that what we
brought together in HE has now become so accepted by the society that it can
be integrated into the other departments. Design in dress, homes and even
things like kitchen appliances is now part of the culture. Nutrition is
advertised on TV. Therapy is not a dirty word anymore. Graphic design is not
just for brochures any more, it is part of everyone's web site! Housing is a
social issue that gets politicians attention--finally. I could go on and on.
I am very excited to hear of the University's plans to create a new College of Design. I am interested in participating in any way in the development of curriculum and/or teaching in this new college.
I have been a practicing residential space planner and interior designer in the Twin Cities since 1976 and have had my own firm, PAPPAS INC., since 1979. My firm subscribes to a holistic approach to design and includes in its whole house services kitchen, bath, laundry, closet, media, home office, lighting, and environmental design. In addition, I am a Feng Shui student of Professor Yun Lin and have been incorporating Feng Shui considerations into my designs since 1983. I have been involved in product development for other corporations and am currently designing my own signature line of sinks and furniture.
If there is an opportunity for my involvement, please contact me. In the meantime, I encourage you to visit my website, www.pappas.biz to review my portfolio and background.
Posted by: Mary Jane Pappas at April 19, 2005 8:22 PM
This is an incredibly powerful and wonderful decision that has long
been waited for. I support and applaud the integration of these
design desciplines into one unified college. It will be to the
advantage and benefit of all; students, professors, the university
and more importantly to the community as well.
I am so pleased and excited for the possibilty of a merger between CALA
and DHA! This is something that I have thought about for years. It is
a very important step both academically and professionally for interior
design and architecture, not to mention the other majors that would
benefit from this merger. I was always very discouraged while I was in
school (at the U) that this wasn't already formed. I know quite a few
people that didn't choose the U because of this!
Keep up the great work! I can't wait to see what comes of this!
Posted by: Danielle M. Benz at April 19, 2005 8:19 PMI am so pleased and excited for the possibilty of a merger between CALA
and DHA! This is something that I have thought about for years. It is
a very important step both academically and professionally for interior
design and architecture, not to mention the other majors that would
benefit from this merger. I was always very discouraged while I was in
school (at the U) that this wasn't already formed. I know quite a few
people that didn't choose the U because of this!
Keep up the great work! I can't wait to see what comes of this!
Posted by: Danielle M. Benz at April 19, 2005 8:18 PMRE:Plans to abolish/absorb CHE into other colleges.
As a long ago graduate of "Home Economics" with a Foods in Business
major I am very much opposed to the plan to absorb and completely
lose the indentity of the HEc department which has been part of the
University since its earliest days. There will be no meaning to general
degrees from various colleges such as is proposed.
On looking back over 60+ years since my graduation I have just recently
spoken about how well my degree has served my life in many ways - from
science, to business, to journalism, to child development, to home
management and especially to a lifetime interest/competence in foods and
nutrition. My interest in research came from my work under Dr. Noble. That
has not only served me well in various positions but also my family and my
husband, a PhD from UMn professor/researcher in animal genetics. It would
be a shame for future students to lose their identity as well as the very
diverse, interesting, practical degree which we all received as "Home Ec"
majors. A degree in only nutrition, or only journalism, or only biology,
physiology, chemistry, bacteriology, or only child development or pyschology
would never have provided the diverse education I received. Add to that the
required liberal arts! I can think of no better major for as my life. I
feel I
have used almost every course I took in one way or another and it has
given me knowledge in countless areas I might never have had.
Losing Human Ecology is a big mistake in my eyes.....
Sincerely,
Guinevere S. Fausch
Class of 1943.
Dear CHE Administrators:
I am very pleased with the University's decision to create a new College of Design. I think this move will strengthen the design programs and give some much needed attention to DHA students. DHA seemed to be lost within CHE, and was in need of collarboration with a college that has a more similar focus.
Sincerely,
Peggy Martin
BS 1993