To best prepare students to meet industry demands and fully encompass the department’s vast offerings, Cal Poly’s Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration Department changed its name to the Experience Industry Management Department — making the program the first of its kind in California.

“The new incarnation is more encompassing of what our students and alumni actually do in their careers,” said Bill Hendricks, department head. “It is cutting-edge in terms of educating students to plan, co-create, deliver and manage experiences that impact quality of life and economic vitality and fits with our vision: to cultivate leaders and innovators in industries that promote healthy lifestyles, protect memorable places, and facilitate life-enhancing experiences for individuals, communities and the global society.”

The change was endorsed by a faculty vote in 2015, supported by Cal Poly administration, and approved as a resolution by the Academic Senate in May.