By Maureen Quinlan, News Correspondent

Last month, Mary Wegmann took the position of Director of Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution (OSCCR) when the previous director, Colleen Ryan, left for family reasons this past December after being appointed in August 2009.

Wegmann, who was appointed Dec. 6, has a Bachelor of Science in Speech Communications with an emphasis in pre-law and a minor in journalism from the University of Northern Arizona. She also has a master’s degree in Education from Boston University.

Wegmann worked at Emerson College in the housing office for seven years before coming to Northeastern. She previously worked in housing and student conduct offices at Framingham State University, Stonehill College, BU and University of Rhode Island.

“I loved Emerson, but I knew it was time to experience a larger environment,” Wegmann said. “Northeastern has a big student body with a lot of different students and colleges, but didn’t feel quite so intimidating.”

Wegmann aims to continue a more student-focused OSCCR by engaging students while maintaining professionalism and the code of conduct.

“I think Mary will be a great addition to the OSCCR staff. She has worked with both small and large student bodies in an urban setting, and I think having both of these perspectives in mind when working with our students will only benefit us,” Student Government Association Vice President of Student Affairs Ashley Caron said. “She seems willing to work with students and wants to hear what we have to say.”

Wegmann said she also has plans to collaborate with other student affairs offices, reach out to international students, and to initiate round table discussions with the faculty about academic integrity.

“I want other schools’ offices of conduct to look to Northeastern for an example in the trends in student conduct and in higher education,” Wegmann said.

In terms of change, Wegmann said she would like OSCCR to be more up front with students.

“We need to be more proactive, rather than reactive,” Wegmann said. “By proactive I mean I would like [OSCCR] to try to combat behavioral problems before they happen. By working with other student offices, such as the Office of Prevention and Education at Northeastern (OPEN) and Residential Life, we can educate students about reoccurring issues.”

Despite her desire to make changes, the program’s current student conduct hearing board process impressed Wegmann.

“I like that Northeastern places so much faith in its students to listen to a hearing, deliberate and apply a sanction,” Wegmann said. She believes Northeastern’s process of conduct hearing and appeal make the program strong.

Beyond the strengths of OSCCR, Wegmann sees herself challenged in being a well-balanced, productive and helpful liaison between the students, OSCCR and the Northeastern administration.

“I’m very thoughtful and always try to do what is best,” she said. “And I always have a reason behind my actions.”

Wegmann also sees the negative perception most students associate with OSCCR not just at Northeastern, but at most universities where she has worked.

“I think at any school most students think of the office of conduct as a court system where students just get in trouble, but hopefully some students have had a positive experience with our office, so they know we are not scary and we are here to help,” Wegmann said. “We just want students to know we are here because we care and we want to keep Northeastern safe.”

Sophomore chemical engineering major Alyssa D’Antonio said she thinks OSCCR is doing its job.

“OSCCR is a good program that we have, and it is working fine,” she said.

Assistant Director Brooke Tempesta looks forward to working with a full staff again as Wegmann joins the OSCCR team.

“Mary is capable and different, and I’m excited to continue the positive work OSCCR has been doing,” Tempesta said.

Wegmann also said she anticipates attending her first Northeastern hockey game, getting to know the students and experiencing the NU community.

“I definitely knew student affairs was my life’s calling. I love working with college students. I love watching young people learn how to be responsible, grow and develop, and I know I can do that here at OSCCR at Northeastern,” she said.