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Timeline

HR

MSIR Events

1958

1958: Program started as a joint combination of Psych and Institute for Labor Studies, led by Mr. Robison

Research funded by Unions

Robert Decker is the original coordinator of the program

1959

Labor Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (Landrum-Griffin) was passed

Late 1950s / Early 1960s

In the late 1950’s and early 1960’s the cubicle was created, forever changing the way offices were arranged from the designs of the Burolandschaft and the Action Office.

1963

Equal Pay Act bans wage discrimination based on gender

HR is focused on legal compliance and personnel administration.

1969

William Hutchinson graduates MSIR program

1970

Occupational Safety and Health Act passed

1970s

During this period the number of women in the work force dramatically increased. The feminist movement also grew in popularity in the 70’s as well.

1972

Barbara Schaupp is the first woman that graduates from MSIR

1973

Randy Elkin named director; Program moves to no thesis, 45 hour format

1974

The Employee Retirement Security Act (ERISA) is created

1974-1975

Neil Palumbo, Associate Dean, merges the program with the College of Business & Economics

1978

HRCI certification begins for HR Professionals

1980

Presence and growth of the Alumni Board began

Randy Elkins serves as Department Chair from Industrial Relations

Students may pursue a master of science in either of two options in the industrial relations program: Industrial and Labor Relations, or Manpower Planning and Evaluation

1981

President Ronald Reagan breaks the air traffic controllers’ strike

Early 1980s

In the early 1980’s the relationship era begins as companies look for ways to engage with customers

1985

Around 1985, workplace strategy became a mainstream term. At the same time, emerging technologies like the cell phone made the workspace more than just a physical desk.

1989

The World Wide Web is invented

Workplace protections for employees increases during this period

1993

Family and Medical Leave Act is created

Low unemployment and nominal increases narrow the wage gap for low and middle-wage earners that had been growing since 1979

1996

Neil Bucklew becomes full-time faculty member in College of B&E

MSIR Program works collaboratively with Extension division in the state

Early 2000s

Globalization and offshoring significantly grow during the early 2000’s

2000

The number of women in the workforce is 66 million, 2.6% annual increase from 18 million in 1950.

2002

President George W. Bush pledges to strip collective bargaining rights from civil servants in the new TSA and denies bargaining rights to airport-security screening personnel

This time period saw a rise in health care costs

Companies increase their presence and use of social media for marketing and recruiting.

2007

Jeffery Houghton named coordinator

This time period saw a rise in health care costs

The MSIR program is involved with the FMC to improve labor relations throughout the state

2009

President Barack Obama signed the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which restored the rights of working women to sue over pay discrimination.

2010

The Patient Protection and Affordable Act is enacted.

Privacy and workplace security are issues currently affecting HR professionals.

2010

Establishment of 2nd board to advise program

2012

Program moves to 2 year format with 55 hours; Joyce Heames become Chair of Program

2015

Suzanne Godsen Kitchen becomes Interim Program Coordinator

William Hutchison becomes Interim Program Coordinator

2017

Tom Zeni becomes Program Coordinator