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Sociology breaks from Anthropology and joins Women's Studies to create new department
The stars aligned, and realigned, for a proposed reorganization of the sociology and anthropology department within the College of Arts and Sciences.
This restructure was proposed in two parts - separating the Department of Sociology and Anthropology into two departments, and moving the Women's Studies Program into the new Department of Sociology. To lead this reorganized endeavor as department head is Lisa Bond-Maupin, former director of the Women's Studies Program.
"This was necessary because it's going to be good for all three programs," newly -appointed Bond-Maupin said. "It gives sociology and anthropology a chance to shine on their own."
The faculty senate proposal states that finding a joint sociology and anthropology department is not uncommon, however, it is found more in smaller universities. Therefore separating the NMSU programs would signify both are high academic priorities.
Also mentioned in the proposal is that NMSU sociology and anthropology does not reflect typical characteristics for a joint program and a separation will allow for each to realize a fuller potential. Some of these differing characteristics include a large faculty head count, offered master's degrees in both programs but with different administrative structures, very few cross-listed undergraduate courses and different curriculum development.
"In many respects, the two programs have been operating independently for a long time," the proposal states. The research mission of both programs fueled by faculty competition in gaining external funding and exposure is another major factor in the split.
Women's studies will be seeing its own benefits as well. The program is growing rapidly and linking up with sociology will provide a departmental structure to allow for tenure-track faculty positions instead of the current college-track faculty.
"Women's studies had a unique status as a university program without academic governance; we had no home," Bond-Maupin said. "This made a lot of sense because of the similarities, common interests and cross-listed courses (in women's studies and sociology)."
But with all of these benefits, are there down sides to the restructure on the students' end of the academic spectrum? Bond-Maupin said no.
"Nothing was lost in the transition," Bond-Maupin said. "We've only gained in potential and resources. It should have no negative impact on the students."
The proposal identifies a maintained undergraduate and graduate degree plan in both sociology and anthropology, course offerings will not be affected and neither will faculty rank or years to tenure. Course prefixes will remain the same and all offices will be located in the Science Hall.
Bond-Maupin commented on being at the helm of the new department that people would be looking to her to set the tone. She said her excitement for the role comes from the opportunity to work with quality scholars to build something new.
Approval for the split came from faculty in sociology and anthropology, the Arts and Sciences Dean's office and the Faculty Senate. The only other department to separate at NMSU has been geology and geography.
"It's amazing it was such a smooth process," Bond-Maupin noted. "It's a testimony to all parties involved and the good will folks wish for each other."
Written by Susan Prosoco.