By Colin Young, News Staff
University officials announced last week several realignments and reorganizations of academic departments in an attempt to consolidate experiential learning, link co-op more closely to career services and bolster Northeastern’s reputation as a national research institution.
Stephen Director, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, announced the changes in a statement on the university’s website with Philomena Mantella, senior vice president for enrollment management and student affairs. In the annoucement, they said the changes were “in order to strengthen Northeastern University’s ability to advance its academic plan.”
The majority of changes fall under either undergraduate education, research and graduate education, or student life and wellness.
Bruce Ronkin, who served as acting dean for the College of Arts and Sciences, was named vice provost for undergraduate education. As vice provost, Ronkin will oversee undergraduate academics, co-op, career services and the Office of the Registrar. Ronkin will also manage the university’s international programs, including study abroad, Dialogue of Civilizations and international co-ops.
“Consistent with our history, Northeastern is adapting to better meet the challenges we face in today’s world,” Director said in the statement. “By integrating many of these academic programs and departments, we can offer our students a richer experience, with particular emphasis on global opportunities.”
Susan Powers-Lee, who served as vice provost for undergraduate education, was appointed vice provost for honors and first year programs. Powers-Lee with oversee peer tutoring and programs helping undeclared students. Additionally, the position of vice provost for international affairs, held by Robert Lowndes, was renamed vice provost for global relations in order to increase connections and partnerships with institutions in other countries.
As part of the graduate-level restructure, Vice Provost for Research, Melvin Bernstein was appointed to the newly-formed position of vice provost for research and graduate education. The change is an attempt to link the university’s doctoral and research programs.
University Health and Counseling Services (UHCS), Disability Resources, the Learning Disabilities Program, the Office of Prevention & Education and Student-Athlete Support Services will all be lead by Associate Vice President for Student Affairs Madeleine Estabrook, who is also serving as interim vice president for student affairs while the university conducts a search to replace Ed Klotzbier.
In the announcement, Mantella said the changes would all benefit students in the long run.
“As part of our student-centered approach, this reorganization will make it much easier for our students to access the valuable resources they need,” she said. “These changes have been guided by what is best for our students.”
