Reorganization

University Life Reorganization 2005

Dear Members of the University Community,

The recent departure of two staff presented an opportunity to continue achieving our Divisional Commitments in realizing USF?s Vision, Mission and Core Values without requesting additional resources. Search committees have been formed to recruit and hire diverse, highly qualified individuals willing to serve and educate leaders who will fashion a more humane and just world. Many thanks to the students, faculty and staff who have agreed to serve on these committees.

Beyond organizational changes, an interim plan was developed to maintain services during Spring 2005. Through June 1, 2005 Public Safety will report to the Vice President and Residence Life will report to the Dean of Students. I am very grateful to those who accepted interim responsibilities in service to the USF community. Julie Orio?s coordination of the student judiciary and Dennis Miller?s management of the student handbook are two examples. I know there are many others, unsung heroes and heroines, who cover during hiring periods to ensure that services continue for our students.

Starting in June 2005 the Dean of Students will directly supervise the Office of Residence Life and the Office of Public Safety, two major departments responsible for ensuring a high quality student residential experience, as well as the overall security and well-being for the USF community.  The Counseling and Psychological Services will continue to report to the Dean and maintain its significant outreach to students, faculty and staff on a myriad of mental health issues.  The Judicial Affairs program will remain under the supervision of the Dean with slight modifications to the position of the Assistant Dean of Students.  The Assistant Dean will primarily be responsible for the management of the University's nonacademic judicial and disciplinary procedures for on-campus and off-campus residents in addition to creating and supporting learning environments which encourage the development of students into informed, adult citizens. The grouping of these departments as a new team structure allows the Dean of Student?s area to create a comprehensive strategic plan to positively affect student retention, promote student advocacy and respond appropriately in crisis management and outreach.

The newly created position of Associate Dean for Student Development (funded by the elimination of the Assistant Vice President for University Life Services position) will report to the Vice President.  The Associate Dean will engage us in developing a comprehensive vision for student engagement and development. This will include providing and collaborating on experiences which promote USF values in leadership, cultural competency and social justice. The Associate Dean will supervise Multicultural Student Services (MCSS), Student Activities, International Student Services, Health Promotion and Services and Career Services. We will be recruiting to provide a leader capable of continuing to build upon the significant accomplishments of these areas. Again, this new team structure emphasizes a natural and holistic collaboration among areas that focus on student success and involvement outside the classroom.

Finally, two new positions were created by eliminating six Graduate Assistant (GA) positions within the Division.  While the loss of the GA positions and impact will be felt at multiple levels, the need to support critically functional areas was unavoidable.  The need for a coordinator for MCSS and a coordinator for Judicial Affairs stems from our growth as a more diverse and primarily residential campus. I appreciate the leaders in Residence Life, Multicultural Student Services, Student Activities and International Student Services who eliminated and pooled the GA positions to serve the common good and needs of our students.

The Executive Director of Administrative Operations has assumed responsibility for divisional and University-wide space issues. During USF?s period of growth, planning and construction, he will monitor student satisfaction and report major issues and concerns; coordinate spaces which allow University Life to provide excellent service and programs, yet also meet other needs (such as the recent relocation of the new Dance Studio into the Koret Center); serve on committees; and conduct needs analysis to make recommendations for space which will become available following the opening of the new Campion.

Sincerely,

Margaret M. Higgins
Vice President for University Life
Chief Student Affairs Officer

Download University Life Organizational Chart