HRTA, Sports Studies seek new names

Move to Isenberg School prompts action

by Sarah R. Buchholz, Chronicle staff

ewly ensconced in the Isenberg School of Management as of Sept. 1, the departments of Sport Studies and Hotel, Restaurant and Travel Administration each have applied for a name change.

     Sport Studies is asking to be called Sport Management and HRTA is requesting to become Hospitality and Tourism Management. Both departments have submitted paperwork to the Faculty Senate, where the Rules Committee is studying the proposals, according to senate typist Taryn Scott.

      "The new term [hospitality] better reflects this industry," HRTA head Frank Lattuca said. "It seems to be a common name being used by other hospitality programs [because] it's not just hotels, restaurants and travel agencies. It's casinos; it's attractions; it's club management; it's event planning and management."

     Associate head of HRTA Chris Roberts said he hopes the senate will act on the request this fall.

     Assistant head of Sport Studies Andrew McGowan said he also hopes the change will take effect soon.

     "Our name has been a misnomer for a number of years," said Harold VanderZwaag, associate head of Sport Studies. "We were founded as a department of sport studies, where people studied the history, philosophy, psychology and sociology of sport. But for 20 years we've basically been preparing students for sport management. The evolution was a gradual one.

     "Now that we're under the School of Management, it's the perfect time to make the change."