MIAMI (July 28, 2000) - In a move mirroring the trend toward interdisciplinary practice and research, the College of Health Sciences and College of Urban and Public Affairs (CUPA) have merged to form the College of Health and Urban Affairs.

"There is a very strong academic and professional connection between the two colleges," said Ronald M. Berkman, dean of the newly created college, who served as dean of CUPA since 1997.

"Given the increasing emphasis on interdisciplinary practice and research, it is logical to forge these relationships at the university level," said Berkman.

The trend toward interdisciplinary practice and research is likely to grow according to the recent report of the Pew Commission on Health Professions, the most comprehensive study of the future of health care undertaken in the last decade. A solid program of federally sponsored research currently underway in those programs formally under the College of Urban and Public Affairs enhances the rationale for the merger, according to Berkman.

The new College of Health and Urban Affairs houses four schools: the School of Social Work, School of Nursing, School of Policy and Management, and the School of Health. In addition, under the auspices of the School of Policy of Management there are several programs including Health Services Administration, Public Administration, and Criminal Justice. Under the auspices of the School of Health there are programs in Public Health, Dietetics and Nutrition, Health Information Management, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Language Pathology.

"The vast majority of the sponsored research in the former College of Urban and Public Affairs is in the area of substance abuse and HIV prevention, with a particular focus on minority populations," said Berkman. The merger will provide an "expanded platform" upon which to build this research and incorporate young researchers from the former College of Health.

Guiding the merger was the primary goal of enhancing the preparation of FIU students. "While the merger will greatly benefit the faculty and research enterprise, the most important benefits will go to the students who are training for careers in these professions," said Berkman. "These students will have the benefit of an academic structure and curriculum that reflects the professional worlds they will enter."