By Loren Watson
State Press
University officials are considering moving the nutrition studies program to ASU East as its own department, said Richard Fabes, Family Resources and Human Development department chair.
The change would involve removing the program from ASU Main.
However, Fabes said the final decision won't be known for a while.
"No decisions have been made at any (administrative) level," Fabes said. "Right now, the budget, the impact and the fine points are being worked through (to) make sure that it would be in the best interests of everyone involved."
And while Fabes said he thinks the move would benefit the faculty, staff and students, he emphasized that the University will not know if the change is appropriate until the University has worked through the process of assessing its impact.
ASU Provost Milton Glick said, "the nutrition (faculty) might have the opportunity to grow their programs" if the move occurred.
The two campus administrations and the Family Resources Department have discussed the changes for about a year, said David Schwalm, vice provost at ASU East and dean of East College -- one of three colleges at the east campus.
Schwalm cited a space shortage at ASU, efforts to promote growth at the branch campuses, the development of a Health and Wellness program at ASU East and a desire in nutrition studies for larger facilities and better visibility as reasons for discussion
Some nutrition majors have heard about the discussions. A flier was circulated in August describing details of the possible change.
Victoria Hernandez, nutrition junior, said she worries about having to commute between the main and the east campuses to complete her degree requirements.
"I don't know how I'll arrange my schedule," she said. "I feel like maybe it will be a good thing, but will be a lot of burden to students."
Laura Rogers, a nutrition senior, said she thinks some students will change majors if the move happens.
"I am graduating so it won't affect me," she said. "But if I was staying, I wouldn't be a nutrition major."
Ivy Ashby, a dietetics senior, said her main concern is the way the discussions have been handled.
"I am not totally against it," she said. "But I want (the faculty) to formally present (the information) to students."
Even though some students are hesitant, Fabes said the nutrition faculty is happy about the possibility of moving
"At first, a lot of us flip-flopped; there are pros and cons," said Jeff Hampl, an assistant professor of nutrition. "But when we actually toured the (east) campus, we changed our minds."
Hampl said advantages to moving include more space to do research and a huge kitchen for food-in-business work. But, he said, "nothing is definite."
Glick said the decision should be made within the next couple of months, and the faculty will try to set up a meeting with students to hear their concerns.
"We hope to have a decision as soon as possible so students can plan," Fabes said. "We are looking at what is in the best interests for everyone concerned."
Reporter Loren Watson can be reached by phone at (480) 965-2292 or by e-mail at lwatson18@compuserve.com.
