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Friday, June 1, 2018

From the Provost

Posted: Friday, June 1, 2018

New Interdisciplinary Units: Conflict Analysis and Resolution, Environmental Studies

Following consultation with the College Senate and approval by all academic deans, I am pleased to announce the formation of two new interdisciplinary units: the Conflict Analysis and Resolution Interdisciplinary Unit and the Environmental Studies Interdisciplinary Unit.

Conflict Analysis and Resolution Interdisciplinary Unit
Conflict is an inevitable social and organizational reality. It also holds great potential for harm and good. The Conflict Analysis and Resolution Interdisciplinary Unit will help prepare students for a competitive job market by creating a master of science in conflict analysis and resolution program and a conflict resolution graduate certificate program. The programs will combine theory and application to address the need for highly skilled conflict resolvers to work in the fields of business, government, education, management, health care, child and family development, criminal justice, public service, ministry, social work, immigration, labor relations, international affairs and humanitarian work, communication, natural sciences, and both public and private sectors.

A graduate degree program in conflict analysis and resolution is not currently offered by a department at Buffalo State or any SUNY campus. Because of the wide range of disciplines from which participating faculty and courses will be drawn, these programs will be best served through an interdisciplinary unit rather than through a single academic department. The interdisciplinary unit will allow for the development of programs that capitalize on shared faculty expertise across disciplines. The Conflict Analysis and Resolution Interdisciplinary Unit will be housed in the School of Natural and Social Sciences. The initial co-coordinators for the IU will be Peter Yacobucci, associate professor, Political Science Department; and Clairissa Breen, assistant professor, Criminal Justice.

Environmental Studies Interdisciplinary Unit
Environmental studies is a fast-growing major in higher education and a staple course of study nationwide. Environmental studies takes a multidisciplinary approach toward understanding natural and social system interactions. It serves a wide range of disciplines including the arts, humanities, education, business, and the natural and social sciences.

A degree program in environmental studies is not currently offered by a department at Buffalo State, and because of the interdisciplinary nature of the field and the wide range of disciplines from which participating faculty will be draw, the program will be best served through an interdisciplinary unit rather than through a single academic department. An initial group of interested faculty include representatives from the Biology, Geography and Planning, Earth Sciences and Science Education, Economics and Finance, Philosophy, English, and Sociology departments. The Environmental Studies Interdisciplinary Unit will be housed in the School of Natural and Social Sciences.

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