Student Affairs Division Update
Dr. Terry Hogan and division directors hosted the professional and scientific staff member of the Student Affairs Division September 15 to share progress on department and division projects. View the PowerPoint presentation from the meeting.
Michael Hager, Executive Director of the Department of Residence and Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs, reported on the advancing plans to re-purpose Bartlett Hall as office space and expand housing inventory by constructing an apartment complex. Of four plans considered, the plan moving forward has sustainability advantages.
Jon Buse, Dean of Students and co-chair of the Foundations of Excellence (FoE) initiative, reported that FoE teams generated nearly 100 recommendations. The effort over two semesters involved 130 volunteers serving on dimension committees. Nearly half of those committee members are in the Student Affairs Division.
Dr. Hogan’s leadership of University Diversity initiatives involves communicating a shared definition, mission and focus for diversity. “Diversity is a dynamic concept shaped by our history as a culture. We continue to evolve so our concept of diversity will continue to evolve,” Hogan said. “Work was previously advanced by individuals who are passionate about diversity; now we’ll have an organized institutional effort,” he added. The next Town Hall meeting on Diversity will be January 21, 2010. The first Diversity Matters Award will be presented at the event to honor staff, faculty and community members or organizations who advance diversity initiatives.
Shelley Matthews O’Connell, Director of the Student Health Clinic, focused her comments on prevention/preparation measures for an outbreak H1N1. Personal responsibility to minimize exposure and care for facilities that included shared spaces are at the top of the list.
Mike Holmes reviewed progress of the Student Information System implementation team. The offices for this group are based in Campbell Hall. The team includes representatives from Admissions, Information Technology and the Registrar.
Dr. Hogan concluded the meeting with statements about the budget. Of the Student Affairs employees who are retiring with the early retirement incentive package, 2/3 are in the Department of Residence; all will be replaced. Of the remaining vacancies, it is likely that only 1/3 will be replaced. The decisions about how to fill the remaining vacancies have yet to be made.
Dr. Hogan concluded, “These are difficult financial times and we will undoubtedly face more serious challenges – this year, next year and beyond. Changes in enrollment, tuition and fees and state appropriations will shape the parameters of our planning for the next fiscal year, but I’m confident our staff and students will continue to make the best of the difficult circumstances.”
New Professional and Scientific and graduate student employees in the Student Affairs Division include:
Front row: Fredrico Silva, Admissions; Brittany Warren, Admissions; Steffoni Smith, Student Leadership Center, Maucker Union; Alisha Scaggs, Residence Life Coordinator for Lawther Hall; Josh Sankey, Residence Life Coordinator for Campbell Hall;
Back row: Kate Von Tersch, Career Services; Jennifer Bell, Financial Aid; and David Homolka, Residence Life Coordinator for University Apartments.
10/1/09