WRDS to join Communication Studies in academic restructuring effort
The College of Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences will merge the Department of Writing, Rhetoric & Digital Studies (WRDS) into the Department of Communication Studies.
The departmental merger is effective July 1, following approvals by the Faculty Council on January 15, and subsequent approval by Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber. The change is designed to strengthen academic offerings, expand faculty collaboration and ensure long‑term sustainability for WRDS programs.
WRDS was established in 2019 after evolving from the First‑Year Writing Program within the Department of English. The department launched its minor in 2018 and its bachelor’s degree in 2019, offering students a focused curriculum in rhetoric, writing and digital communication. WRDS has contributed significantly to writing instruction and undergraduate education, teaching more than 150 sections of first‑year writing annually. However, the department has remained small, with two tenure‑track faculty members, 22 non‑tenure‑track faculty and an interim chair.
In recommending the merger to Provost Jennifer Troyer, Chris Boyer, dean of the College of Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences, noted that WRDS would be better positioned for growth within a larger, allied department. Communication Studies was identified as the strongest fit due to shared disciplinary foundations in rhetoric, complementary strengths in digital media and journalism, and opportunities for expanded curricular development.
The merger is expected to support the department’s ongoing expansion into digital media production and journalism, with the potential to launch a journalism major. Communication Studies currently supports more than 150 journalism minors.
Boyer described the merger as “a visionary initiative that could further establish our university’s reputation as a nimble and forward‑thinking institution,” adding that the change “would strengthen both units and provide new opportunities for faculty and students.”
A joint committee of WRDS and Communication Studies faculty continue to work through implementation details.
WRDS will retain its major and program director, who will continue to oversee the First‑Year Writing Program. Ashli Stokes will serve in the role for 2026-27. The department’s administrative staff members will transition to Communication Studies to support the expanded unit.
As part of the restructuring and striving for interdisciplinarity, management of the Writing Resources Center will move into the Department of Communication Studies. Its director, Katie Garahan, will join the Department of English to work more closely with the graduate students who serve as tutors in the center.
The Department of Communication Studies will retain its name following the merger. Erin Basinger, associate professor of communication studies, will step into the role of department chair, also effective July 1.