Student Life sees summer staff changes

Student Life and Services is undergoing a "transition year" according to Interim Dean Deb McNish.

McNish, who was appointed interim dean of student life and services last Spring, hopes to maintain current quality of service, as well as improve staff and student confidence with the division.

In addition to McNish's arrival, other staff have changed over the summer.

Joe DiChristina has been appointed associate dean to replace Kenneth Holmes, who announced his resignation in May for a job with the State University of New York.

"We slid Joe into the position because he had the most experience," said McNish. DiChristina served as associate dean at Oberlin before taking a leave for two years. He returned last semester, and was acting as an assistant to the president before the dean's position in student life became open.

McNish said he was a permanent replacement. DiChristina's duties will include managing the budget, planning, the Multicultural Resource Center (MRC), student health and orientation.

One area DiChristina does not have experience in is multicultural affairs. To address this, McNish appointed Assistant Dean Shilpa Dave to be director of the MRC for the year. "We decided we needed to acknowledge the experience of Shilpa," said McNish.

Another departure from the Student Life staff was Julia Nieves, former assistant dean. McNish said Nieves left the MRC this summer to pursue a position working in a grassroots program with high school students in New York. "She had a desire to work with high school students and seemed very happy. We wish her well," McNish said.

Residential Life and Services has also seen a few changes. Yeworkwha Belachew has been appointed director of Residential Life and Ehrai Adams, former program house area coordinator, assumed a new position as assistant director of residential life and assistant dean of students.

McNish said Belachew and Adams were the most experienced candidates for the positions. McNish said the division's major projects for the semester are monitoring of the new student health plan and meal plan as well as implementing upcoming parking regulations. "There are a lot of changes," McNish said.

Student Life staff is currently writing goals to echo general goals McNish outlined for her staff earlier this summer. McNish's goals centered on improving student confidence in the department, as well as improving accountability and pride within the staff.