Three departments in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences have merged into a single department – the new department of apparel, educational studies and hospitality management.

The three departments – textiles and clothing; hotel, restaurant and institution management; and family and consumer sciences education studies – were chosen because the departments share similar traits. In addition, the departments were the three smallest in the college.

“There were threads throughout those areas that made sense to put them together,” said Mary Gregoire, professor and chairwoman of apparel, educational studies and hospitality management.

Gregoire said the departments merged smoothly because each department is consumer and industry service focused. Budget cuts played a roll in the merge, too, she said.

“Being challenged with two years of budget cuts offered the CFCS the opportunity to explore different ways to achieve the college’s desired outcomes,” Gregoire said.

The merging of the departments is a more practical option than eliminating one of the departments, she said. The newly combined department runs more efficiently than when the departments were separate.

The merge officially was approved by the Board of Regents at its June meeting. Gregoire said there haven’t been any complaints from the 560 undergraduate or the 70 graduate students in the newly expanded department.

Emily Hall, sophomore in apparel merchandising, design and production, said she doesn’t see a problem with the merge.

“As long as it doesn’t affect the education I’m receiving, I’m OK with it,” she said.

Since the merge, classes, degrees and curriculum have remained separate. Gregoire said the department has been operating as one since July 1, 2000. The FCS college intends to use the merge as a way to benefit both students and faculty.

“All programs will be strengthened by the combined expertise of the faculty members across disciplines,” Gregoire said.