CMU 2010

Interdisciplinary Programs three-year communications under way

The CMU 2010 project Strengthening CMU’s Interdisciplinary Programs led
by newly appointed assistant coordinator for Interdisciplinary Programs Anne Miller is well under way. This three-year initiative seeks to establish coordinated support to strengthen learning, advising, and enrollments in existing interdisciplinary programs.

“One of my first objectives was to develop a strong workable marketing
plan that ties strategically to the CMU 2010 initiative and would guide us through the various phases of this communications effort,” Miller said.
“The plan focuses heavily on building and capturing the value of interdisciplinary studies with strategies and tactics we hope will positively influence enrollments.

“We’re not promoting majors over minors or one program over another,” Miller added. “We’re promoting the philosophy of interdisciplinary learning
in a very broad sense. Our plan is to communicate the value of learning across academic disciplines and to demonstrate how these disciplines work together to create a
powerful learning experience that emphasizes critical questioning and creative problem solving from
multiple perspectives.”

  • Some of the key initiatives planned for this year include:
    • An elaborate interdisciplinary presence on CMU’s Web site geared toward students exploring majors,
    minors, and graduate programs

    • Participation at pre-orientations, orientations, MAJOR Night, CMU and You Day, and more

    • Working together with various units such as Admissions and Academic Advising as well as faculty partners to maximize communications and publicity efforts

    • Conducting an advertising campaign in fall 2008

Miller is a member of the Interdisciplinary Advsory Committee, facilitated by Denise Webster, director of curriculum and assessment. The committee meets regularly to monitor and review interdisciplinary programs and has been active in providing leadership and direction in the communications efforts.

Part of the original proposal for this initiative included providing release time for a faculty or staff member to serve as the Interdisciplinary Program coordinator, but this position remains vacant. The coordinator would lead Miller in her efforts, advocate interdisciplinary programs campuswide, and act as primary interface with interdisciplinary faculty members. Individuals interested in this role are encouraged to contact Denise Webster.

To find out more about the Interdisciplinary Programs communications plan, contact Anne Miller, mille7al@cmich.edu or visit the Web site at www.academicaffairs.cmich.edu/interdisciplinary.shtml. •