The crumpled paper sign marking the location of the Exercise and Movement Science Department in Esslinger Hall will soon be replaced by a new sign of unknown quality that will read “Department of Human Physiology.” The new name reflects changes in the curriculum since the early ’90s, when the department’s main emphasis was training students to be physical education teachers, said EMS Department Head Gary Klug.
“The name change is actually following the transition,” he said. “It’s not leading it.”
Klug said the department’s mission has evolved to train people for careers in health care. Many students are interested in becoming personal trainers or plan to go to nursing or dentistry school following their completion of the program, he added.
According to Richard Troxel, director of undergraduate studies for the department, about a quarter of undergraduates are considering going into medical school.
Additionally, several students said “Exercise and Movement Science” was no longer an apt label for the department.
“They generally assume that we run around in workout suits,” said EMS graduate student Tom Pellinger. “They don’t take it very seriously because there (are) misconceptions.”
Pellinger said the name “Department of Human Physiology” is “more accurate.”
“It implies more of a comprehensive research,” he said.
Troxel said the previous name “doesn’t reflect the rigor of the curriculum we actually have.” The previous name also had the problem of not being easily recognizable, causing problems when it appeared on graduate school applications.
“I do feel like human physiology is more accepted from other schools,” senior EMS major Hannah Wiley said. “I think (the name change) is a good call for those who are entering graduate school.”
The uncommon name also veiled the department in obscurity on campus, meaning many students weren’t aware of the department until late in their tenure at the University.
“The one thing I would hear from students is, ‘I didn’t even know you existed,’” Troxel said. “The name will help draw attention to our department earlier in their studies.”
The actual process to change the name took more than a year and a half, Klug said. The department received input on the name change from a variety of sources including faculty, student focus groups and other universities. The grueling process of choosing the name “Human Physiology” took an entire year, and it took about another six months to get the name approved by the University and the State Board of Higher Education.
The name officially will change July 1, but EMS Office Manager Janice Brady said she doesn’t know when the EMS sign will be replaced.