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The process for integrating the College of Media, Communication and Information (CMCI) and the Program in Environmental Design (ENVD), as charged by Provost Russell Moore, is advancing with the first milestone on track for July 1, when administrative stewardship of ENVD moves from the Graduate School to CMCI.

Throughout the year, key leaders from CMCI and ENVD have engaged in a regular cadence of discussions to understand each other’s units better and identify the critical steps necessary for a thoughtful approach for bringing ENVD and CMCI together.

In early January, leads from each unit met for a change management seminar.

In March, faculty and staff participated in three facilitated discovery discussions—the student experience; undergraduate curriculum; and graduate programs, research and creative work—to provide the opportunity to share information and discover similarities, overlaps and differences in each other’s programs and offerings. Merna Jacobsen, associate vice chancellor in organization and employee development in ���񱦵�’s Human Resources, facilitated.

In early April, CMCI and ENVD faculty and staff gathered to learn about each other’s units, share ideas and forge friendships.

“I am so impressed and so inspired by the positive energy and spirit of collaboration generated among colleagues,” said Lori Bergen, founding dean of CMCI. “This work takes an incredible amount of careful deliberation.”

On July 1, administrative stewardship of ENVD will move from the Graduate School to CMCI, marking the first milestone for the integration. Minimal changes will be implemented for faculty and staff. The Bachelor of Environmental Design degree requirements and curriculum will not change for currently enrolled students.

Discussions and decisions for the CMCI and ENVD community for next year include undergraduate curriculum, expansion of graduate programs, a new staff model, as well as branding and identity. The full integration is expected to take several years to complete.

“We’ve made incredible progress this year in understanding the logistics and decisions involved in making this integration successful,” said Stacey Schulte, director of ENVD. “We look forward to our continued collaboration and future opportunities.”