Dean of students is such a broad term; many students do not realize the specific duties of the dean of students. "[My role and duties] range anywhere from problems registering to conduct/grounds for disciplinary action to problem solver, teacher, surrogate parent, listener, and community builder," said Dean of Students Mark Smith.
The dean of students has a great deal of responsibility and must "be fair, compassionate, understanding, a good administrator, interact with students well, [and] have positive bonds across communities," said Gil Valadez, Grand Marshal and dean of students search committee member.
"[A dean of students] should be approachable, knowledgeable about student issues, and connected to student leadership—that’s the biggest one," said Leslie Granger, Class of 2004 senator.
Currently, a search is underway for a permanent dean of students. Since March 1, 2000, Smith has held the interim position of dean of students. The search process for a permanent dean has been going strong since "mid to late summer [2001]," according to Professor Mike Hanna, the search committee chair.
The search committee consists of "a cross section [of department heads] because [the] outside input keeps it fair," added Hanna. Committee members include: Deborah Kaminski, associate professor from the engineering department; Lisa Trahan, dean of the first-year experience; Gil Valadez, Grand Marshal; Peter Snyder, director of residence life; Deborah Nazon, assistant provost for institute diversity; and Jules Jacquin, senior director of the financial department.
The search committee recently underwent intensive training in order to prepare them for the task at hand. Human Resources "has a uniform policy that they want people to use [which extends] professionalism [to] candidates [and] protects the Institute," said Hanna. With the help of HR Representative Carlton Sauls, "[The group] has started to formulate a ranking [system with which] to evaluate applicants," said Peter Snyder, Director of Residence Life.
"The search process is going very well, [but] it is in its initial steps. [We are currently] building a responsible infrastructure with which we will then select the best dean of students for RPI," said Valadez.
Valadez said he was elected "to represent students exactly for purposes like this." He plans on being an integral part of deciding how students will be able to participate in the search process, he said.
The search has drawn a wide range of applicants and once the finalists are selected they will be brought onto campus and interviewed by various groups. The groups include students, the search committee, people working under and in direct contact with the committee, and groups of deans. Currently the committee is "setting up criteria for initial pre-screening," concluded Hanna.
The committee currently has 18 candidates, including Smith.
"He [Smith] should keep doing what he is doing, said Rachel Bailey, Class of 2003 senator. He is an "advisor to students having problems [and to] students who have complaints with other students, [and he is] trustworthy."
The search committee hopes to conclude the process by the end of the semester and then will make recommendations to Vice President of Student Life Eddie Knowles.
