A report on Memorial’s Student Affairs and Services was released today (Monday, Nov. 26, 2007) and the university community is invited to comment on it.

A committee was appointed by Dr. Axel Meisen, Memorial’s president, to undertake the review in recognition of the importance of Student Affairs and Services in the growth of the university. The previous review of the department had been carried out in the late 1990s.

The committee started its work in the summer and has sought the views of members of the university community. It was chaired by Dr. Mahmoud Haddara, Division of Co-operative Education. Other members included Angie Clarke, Marine Institute; James Farrell, MUNSU; Nicole Kieley, GSU; and Brian Sullivan, vice-president (students), University of British Columbia.

The committee assessed and made recommendations on the mandate of Student Affairs and Services, its financial, physical and human resources, and the responsibilities and titles of its senior positions, including the potential renaming of the position of “dean of student affairs” as “vice-president” or another appropriate title.

The committee made recommendations relating to a number of key areas including international advising, the Blundon Center, counselling services, scholarships, communications, on-campus student housing, child-care services, student employment programs and student space

The committee also concluded that a change of title from dean to vice-president is warranted and made recommendations on the timing of such a change.

“I am pleased that this work has now been concluded and I thank the committee members for their valuable effort,” said Dr. Meisen. “We can now turn our attention to giving consideration to the recommendations. We want to take action as quickly as possible.”

The review is posted online. 

Members of the university community are invited to comment on it by e-mail by Dec. 10. Comments should be sent to the Office of the President at president@mun.ca.