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K-State Today

June 20, 2016

Letter from the VP for Student Life and Dean of Students Pat Bosco

Submitted by Pat Bosco

Dear faculty and staff, 

As you are aware, the Division of Student Life has been reviewing its program offerings and organizational structure. This process began with the announcement of the retirement of key leaders in the division — Drs. Carla Jones, Dori Lambert, Mike Lynch and Judy Lynch.

The focus of the past six months has been to create a simpler organizational structure that continues to support our shared commitment to student success. Students, faculty and staff had the opportunity to provide input on possible plans through individual and group meetings. The recommendations of the Student Success Workgroup are in the beginning stages of implementation. The workgroup provided a valuable reimagining of the Academic Assistance Center and Tutoring opportunities. We hope that our new structure will provide increased efficiency and improve collaboration across campus. We are committed to providing quality programs and services that support the academic and student life mission of the university. Special thanks to Drs. Greg Eiselein and Stephanie Bannister for their leadership and to all of the faculty, academic deans, student life staff, and student leaders who participated in the Student Success Workgroup.

With the opening of the Berney Family Welcome Center, New Student Services, Career and Employment Services, or CES, and the Academic and Career Information Center, or ACIC, have relocated. CES and ACIC have merged into the Career Center, providing seamless career services for students under the leadership of Dr. Kerri Keller. Dr. Emily Lehning provides leadership for the renovated facility and Dr. Keller reports to Emily.

Student Life tutoring has started moving from Leasure, Holton and Lafene Halls into Holtz Hall. Services began being offered in the new space on June 6 and the building is in its soft-opening phase.

Beginning July 1, space migration will occur in Holton Hall as offices shift to relocate closer to peer offerings or supervisors. Holton Hall will be rebranded as the Center for Student Success and will include student life areas.

The Center for Student Success will include the Academic Assistance Center, home to the Academic Coaching program, bringing together the former Pilots and Plan for Success programs. Interim Assistant Vice President Dr. Stephanie Bannister will provide leadership for the Academic Assistance Center, Academic Coaching, Holtz Hall Tutoring, Educational Supportive Services, Upward Bound Salina, and the Testing Center. Educational Supportive Services, or ESS, will move to the first floor, Student Life will relocate to the second floor. The Center for Student Success will continue to serve as a "gateway," directing students and families to any campus service in Holton Hall and throughout the entire campus. Holton Hall's location and the space realignment will allow better service to our students, bringing together the academic, student life, and support services essential for a successful path to graduation.

A search for the permanent assistant vice president will begin spring 2017.

Assistant Vice President Dr. Derek Jackson will assume responsibility for Lafene Student Health Center, and the Counseling Center further aligning auxiliary services. In a partnership with Student Governing Association, we are hiring a consultant to explore the potential of an expanded and realigned wellness and health program that would allow for locating in and around the Chester E. Peters Recreation Complex, university counseling, recreational services, a natatorium and the student health center. Dr. Dori Lambert has agreed to continue on through the end of the year as director while a search for her replacement continues. Dr. Stephanie Bannister will chair this search committee.

Assistant Vice President and Senior Associate Dean, Heather Reed, will take leadership of Non-Traditional and Veteran Student Services and the Student Access Center. These student support areas will merge with the Office of Student Life, the LGBT Resource Center, the Center for Advocacy, Response and Education, or CARE, the Office of Student Activities and Services and Fraternity and Sorority Life, to form a comprehensive student life unit providing support for all students and for student involvement.

Thank you to all K-State faculty, staff and student life professionals for putting students first. We are excited about the opportunities ahead.

Pat Bosco
Vice president for student life and dean of students