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College of Computing establishes two new departments

January 31, 2025

College of Computing establishes two new departments

On Thursday, January 30, 2025, the College of Computing at Grand Valley State University received approval to establish two distinct departments within the college: the Department of Computer Science and the Department of Information Sciences and Technologies. These departments will officially launch on July 1, 2025. 

The creation of these departments marks a significant milestone for the College of Computing. It represents a strategic effort to strengthen the internal structure, and position the college for sustainable growth. 

"The establishment of the Department of Computer Science and the Department of Information Sciences and Technologies represents a transformative moment for the College of Computing," said Marouane Kessentini, dean of the College of Computing at GVSU. "The launch of these two departments will allow us to enhance our focus on innovation, ensure a great support for our new and existing academic programs, strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration, and better serve our students, faculty, staff, and the Greater Grand Rapids community."

Currently, the College of Computing serves over 1,400 students and generates more than 12,000 credit hours annually. The faculty size is expected to grow to over 60 by the Fall 2025 semester, driven by new programs, increasing student enrollment, and efforts to transform the Greater Grand Rapids area into a major tech hub within the next 10 years. The groundwork for this restructuring began with brainstorming sessions in August 2024 and continued through detailed discussions during the college retreat and college-wide meetings throughout the Fall 2024 semester. These collaborative efforts laid the foundation for reshaping the college’s structure to better serve students and the wider community.

The College of Computing faculty engaged in discussions about whether the college should establish departments. After careful consideration and input from all perspectives through open discussion and surveys, it was decided to begin with two departments. A potential third department will be considered in 2-3 years, once enrollment in the new programs stabilizes. 

The creation of two new departments in the College of Computing  will enhance students’ educational experience by providing a more personalized approach and opportunities to engage with faculty who specialize in the areas they are studying. Faculty will be better equipped to mentor students, guide their research, and connect them to academic and professional opportunities in their chosen fields, ensuring a stronger and more tailored educational experience. 

Written by Shelby Harrison. 

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Page last modified January 31, 2025