Spring Break
BOG approves URI School of Communications, looks to rename Independence Hall
Andy Blais
Issue date: 1/29/08 Section: News
1/29/08 - The University of Rhode Island may soon see some major changes in the upcoming years after the approval of two proposals by the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education, at Rhode Island College last night.
The most important of those changes feature a proposed name change for Independence Hall. One of the largest academic buildings on campus may soon be named Swan Hall, after former Provost Beverly Swan. The second passed proposal will make Ranger Hall the house of a School of Communication at URI, which will encompass departments from communications to film media.
President Robert L. Carothers had requested approval of a "naming opportunity" on the agenda of last night's meeting. The "naming opportunity," which turned out to be Swan Hall, had been discussed in a closed executive session of the RIBGHE Dec. 3.
"It has to go through a process," Carothers said. "It has to now be approved by the legislature."
Carothers hopes that approval from the Rhode Island legislature comes soon. He wants to rededicate the building as Swan Hall in time for this year's commencement.
Further down the road, and a few buildings away from the future Swan Hall, Ranger Hall will host the URI School of Communication.
"It's a chance to build a real school of distinction," Carothers said.
The school will encompass the College Writing Program, Graduate School of Library and Information Sciences, Department of Journalism, Department of Communication and the program in Film Media.
BOG Chairman Jack R. Warner wrote in a memorandum about the proposed school, "Academically the establishment of the school will lead to better communication and collaboration between and amongst faculty. The school will also allow the university to respond more effectively to the promotion and initiation of new programs."
Carothers agreed with Warner's memo after the meeting, saying "It's going to help us begin to put this program on the map."
The most important of those changes feature a proposed name change for Independence Hall. One of the largest academic buildings on campus may soon be named Swan Hall, after former Provost Beverly Swan. The second passed proposal will make Ranger Hall the house of a School of Communication at URI, which will encompass departments from communications to film media.
President Robert L. Carothers had requested approval of a "naming opportunity" on the agenda of last night's meeting. The "naming opportunity," which turned out to be Swan Hall, had been discussed in a closed executive session of the RIBGHE Dec. 3.
"It has to go through a process," Carothers said. "It has to now be approved by the legislature."
Carothers hopes that approval from the Rhode Island legislature comes soon. He wants to rededicate the building as Swan Hall in time for this year's commencement.
Further down the road, and a few buildings away from the future Swan Hall, Ranger Hall will host the URI School of Communication.
"It's a chance to build a real school of distinction," Carothers said.
The school will encompass the College Writing Program, Graduate School of Library and Information Sciences, Department of Journalism, Department of Communication and the program in Film Media.
BOG Chairman Jack R. Warner wrote in a memorandum about the proposed school, "Academically the establishment of the school will lead to better communication and collaboration between and amongst faculty. The school will also allow the university to respond more effectively to the promotion and initiation of new programs."
Carothers agreed with Warner's memo after the meeting, saying "It's going to help us begin to put this program on the map."
