Area Studies changes name

To coincide with the launch of a new major, Area Studies will change its name to Area and Global Studies.

Director Steeve Buckridge said the name change reflects the growth of the department and Grand Valley's emphasis on global learning.

"It's also similar in format to other universities, making it easily identifiable for students," Buckridge said.

Grand Valley's Board of Trustees in April approved a new bachelor's degree program: Global Studies and Social Impact. Students majoring in the program will study global issues like immigration or climate change.

Housed in the Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies, Area and Global Studies coordinates seven programs: African/African American Studies minor, Chinese Studies major, East Asian Studies minor, Global Studies and Social Impact major, Latin American and Latino/a Studies minor, Latino/a Studies certificate and Middle East Studies minor.