"WEDDING PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT," a George Mason University (Va.) course since spring 2005, has developed a bit of a reputation-not as a "cake" course, but as quite the opposite. Still, on day one, a number of students arrive expecting an easy elective, says Maggie Daniels, an assistant professor in the School of Recreation, Health and Tourism at GMU's Prince William campus. "It truly is an enjoyable class, but it's a very difficult course. ... I set the record straight."
Those who return on day two and beyond study the foundation of weddings-from history and politics to diversity and culture-and then learn the practice of wedding planning and business basics needed by those in the profession. While only an estimated 10 percent of students intend to become professional wedding consultants, more than half are pursuing a tourism or event management major or minor.
Back in 2003, when Daniels first committed to creating a wedding planning course (based on student demand), it was she who did the pursuing-of department approval, that is. There was the misconception of weddings as a "very fluffy" topic to overcome. Daniels found herself "proving to anyone who wanted to have the conversation that this is a legitimate academic course of study," she says. "I had to show them the research, show them the numbers." Four cycles of content editing later, her department's curriculum committee pronounced the class official. It now resembles a graduate-level course, Daniels adds. Students have gotten an average grade of 72 on both the midterm and final.
Since spring 2007, a book Daniels co-authored has served as the course's main text. The class is offered each semester in two sections (one taught by an adjunct). Originally students had to purchase three books.
The course is evolving in another way as well, as Daniels finishes up the approval process for it to become part of a formal degree program. It has also been picked up by a former colleague, now at the University of South Carolina.
At semester's end, when they've learned more about wedding customs, timelines, budgets, ceremonies, site layout, and other details than they ever thought possible, Daniels says that "students will comment that they're happy this was not a cake course." -M.E.
Columbia Expansion Gets Green Light
AFTER FIVE YEARS AND MUCH DEBATE, COLUMBIA University (N.Y.) is gearing up for expansion. In December, the New York City Council approved a proposed rezoning of West Harlem's old Manhattanville manufacturing area for mixed use, which gives the university's $6 billion project a green light.
Over 25 years, the project will transform an area primarily housing warehouses and auto shops into an urban center. The 17-acre area includes four large blocks from West 129th to 133rd Streets, between Broadway and 12th Avenue, along with the north side of 125th Street and three properties east of Broadway, from West 131st to 134th Streets. By 2030, the project will provide 6.8 million square feet of space for teaching, academic research, and civic and commercial activity, along with parking and facilities support, according to the Columbia project website.
Phase one involves building a science center for neurodegenerative disease research, a home for the School of International and Public Affairs, and sites for the business and arts schools. Both open space and a permanent site for a university-assisted public secondary school for math, science, and engineering will be included. Stores and businesses will occupy the ground floor of university buildings.
Some residents of West Harlem still oppose the expansion, citing gentrification and concern about the use of eminent domain for removing commercial property owners who won't sell. Columbia either owns, is under contract to purchase, or is in long-term lease relationships for about 70 percent of the land under consideration, according to Public Affairs Officer Victoria Benitez. In addition, school officials are currently negotiating with area owners to acquire more properties.
