1970s: Innovation in the Graduate School
The 1970s brought about Lesley’s most distinctive academic programs: The Institute for Arts and Human Development was created by Professor Shaun McNiff in 1974. In 1975, the Expressive Therapies Graduate Program began as an expansion of the Institute of Arts and Human Development. The Master's program was the first of its kind in the United States that integrated the arts, dance, theater, psychodrama, music, poetry, and the visual arts with the practice of psychotherapy.
Between 1970 and 1979, the following programs were also launched:
- Independent Study Program, Graduate School (1970)
- Counseling and Psychology (1975)
- Creative Arts in Learning (1976)
- The Program Evaluation and Research Group (PERG) (1976)
- Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) (1976)
- Technology in Education Graduate Program (1979)
By 1978, the Lesley Graduate School included five areas (Education, Management, Counseling Psychology, Institute for Arts and Human Development, Outreach and Alternative Education) and offered 18 different programs.
The Art Institute of Boston (AIB) also received accreditation from the National Association of Trade Schools.
Student Strike
Lesley students felt empowered to voice their opinions, and in 1970 went on strike to demand more rights. The administration responded with changes in curriculum, curfew, scheduling, and living arrangements
Urban Academic Village
In 1973, the new campus, or “urban academic village,” was completed after eight years of planning and construction. The new campus created a quadrangle with a library, dorm space, academic offices, and classrooms. Today it is known as the Doble campus.
Expressive Therapies
In 1975, the Expressive Therapies Graduate Program began as an expansion of the Institute for Arts and Human Development. The Master's program was the first of its kind in the United States that integrated the arts, dance, theater, psychodrama, music, poetry, and the visual arts with the practice of psychotherapy.