The Communication and Information Sciences (CIS) PhD program at the University of Hawaii was established in 1986 to meet this need. CIS was one of the first interdisciplinary programs of its nature, foreshadowing the recent trend of interdisciplinary information schools. It transitioned from a provisional to a permanent program in 1994. CIS is sponsored by four units: The Department of Information and Computer Sciences in the College of Natural Sciences, the School of Communication and Information and the Library and Information Science Program in the College of Social Sciences, and the Department of Information Technology Management in the Shidler College of Business. The program is unique at UH Manoa, crossing three colleges. CIS is designated as a STEM program with Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code 11.0401 Information Science/Studies. The CIS Ph.D. program participates in the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). This program allows students from participating states to receive reduced tuition rates at the University of Hawaii. More information is available from WRGP and UH Graduate Division.