Wasiolek prepares to take over as dean of students

Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs Sue Wasiolek will assume the post of dean of students beginning next semester, returning to the same position she held 20 years ago. Although her duties will remain largely the same, she must first help make concrete the plan for the Office of the Dean of Students.

It replaces the Office of Student Development, under Vice President for Student Affairs Larry Moneta's new vision. The dean of students will not preside over residential life as in the past but will supervise a new leadership development division. In addition, the dean of students will oversee orientation, FAC programming, greek life, judicial affairs and parent programming as OSD has in the past. She will also coordinate with student affairs offices at graduate and professional schools.

"When you're not exactly sure with whom you need to be talking to or what resources might be best suited to your needs, our hope is that students or parents will call or communicate with the dean of students' office so that we can make the appropriate referral or handle the situation depending on what the situation is," Wasiolek said.

Todd Adams, assistant dean of student development, said he thinks Wasiolek will be successful in her new position. "She's been in that role maybe somewhat unofficially in the last several years and it's indicative of the things she's been doing," he said.

Among Wasiolek's initial goals is relocation to West Campus from the Crowell Building on East Campus. The new office of greek life--which will support all greek organizations--will be housed in the Bryan Center and headed by Adams.

Additionally, the office is working to improve its website and other access to information on its resources. "We want students to be in contact with us, interact with us and see us as a very viable resource on campus," Wasiolek said.

In other changes, Wasiolek pointed out the extension of freshman orientation to the entire first-year experience and transition to sophomore year. Also, under Andrea Caldwell, the new leadership development section will bring together training opportunities, skill development, conferences, retreats and other such activities for student clubs and organizations.

"What's most important to me in all of this is that for the last 20-plus years, I have had the privilege and good fortune of being able to work with students," Wasiolek said. "The responsibilities and expectations, life in general on campus, have certainly become more complex, but my goal has always been to be part of an organization and to contribute to an organization that is student-centered."