The BYU Board of Trustees has approved the administrative realignment of departments in the College of Health and Human Performance (HHP).
An initial realignment of the Dance Department from HHP to the College of Fine Arts and Communications occurred in July. The realignment of the remaining three academic departments was effective Sept. 1.
The Department of Health Science and the Department of Exercise Sciences have been realigned with the College of Life Sciences, with the exception of the exercise science pedagogy program, which moved to the David O. McKay School of Education. The Department of Recreation Management and Youth Leadership has been realigned with the Marriott School of Management and relocated its offices to the Tanner Building. All other departments maintained their offices in the Richards Building and the Smith Fieldhouse. No faculty or jobs were cut.
“Since it began as a college of physical education, the College [of Health and Human Performance] has grown and changed dramatically,” says academic vice president John S. Tanner (BA ’74). “This growth and shift in focus have resulted in overlap with other academic colleges. We now have the opportunity to streamline while enhancing the continued development of its programs.”
One additional change affects all students: As of Aug. 31, 2009, the general education wellness requirement, once fulfilled through health and physical education classes, is no longer mandatory for graduation. Instead, BYU will promote wellness through elective courses and extracurricular activities. This change will apply to all students no matter when they entered the university.
Health and Human Performance Services, which oversees the BYU Aerobics Fitness Program, intramural sports, and facility scheduling for the Richards Building, is now under the direction of associate academic vice president Brent W. Webb (BS ’81).