[Chronicle]

Aug. 18, 1994
Vol. 14, No. 2

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    Dean of Students search committee appointed

    A committee appointed by Provost Geoffrey Stone is reviewing the roles and functions of the Dean of Students in the University and is expected to recommend candidates for the position. Dean Ted Cook's term expires in June 1995.

    At this stage, the committee is in the process of gathering information, said John Lantos, Associate Professor in Pediatrics and chairman of the committee.

    "We've been talking to a lot of people in the University Dean of Students' Office and to the various Deans of Students in the divisions and professional schools, and we're working closely with the Peat Marwick consultants to consider the implications of possible administrative reorganization," Lantos said. The consulting firm KPMG Peat Marwick was retained last spring to help review the administrative costs of the University as part of its effort to reduce the University's deficit.

    The formal search for a Dean is expected to begin after Labor Day.

    "Before we can look for a candidate, we need to find out whether any changes are needed in the scope of responsibilities," Lantos said. "What we are looking for in a candidate is a little vague at this point, but part of that has to do with the administrative-review processes, which may affect the Dean of Students' Office. Coordinating all the needs and considerations is somewhat complex."

    The Dean of Students in the University currently works with the Deans of Students in the divisions and professional schools and oversees many University departments, including Academic Publications, Career & Placement Services, the Coordinating Council for Minority Issues, Graduate Affairs, Graduate Aid Planning & Research, International Affairs, Physical Education & Athletics, the Registrar's Office, the Student Activities Office and Student Housing. The Dean also works closely with the Student Counseling & Resource Service.

    In addition to Lantos, members of the search committee are Andrew Abbott, Professor in Sociology; Charles Cohen, Professor in Art; Carolyn Killean, Associate Professor in Near Eastern Languages & Civilizations; Barry Nelson, Director of Student Activities; Marlene Richman, Career Counselor in Career & Placement Services; Thomas Rosenbaum, Professor in Physics; and Arthur Sussman, General Counsel and Vice President for Administration.

    The committee welcomes candidate nominations as well as comments and suggestions on the responsibilities of the position, Lantos said. Suggestions and nominations may be directed via e-mail to Lantos at jlantos@medicine.bsd.uchicago.edu.