The University of Wyoming has started the process to select a candidate for the dean of students that will take place over the summer, a time when most of the students are away from campus which, limits the amount of impact we, as students, are able to make on such a choice.
As students, we have a voice in who is selected as the next dean of students. Sessions will be held where students can come in, ask questions of the candidate, and give feedback.
The dean of students is an incredibly important position on this campus. According to the mission statement from the dean of students’ office, their purpose is to help students succeed academically and become contributing members of campus. Some of the services provided by this office include authorized absences, disability services, sexual misconduct reporting and overseeing student welfare.
We need a dean that will put the students as their first priority, something that is not directly stated in their job description on the HR job listings. Someone who will ensure that all students, regardless of what walk of life they come from, feel supported and safe, instead of someone who will worry about the university’s image to the detriment of the students.
As student media – the voice of the students – a dean must understand the importance of what we do and that we answer to the students, and no one else. To be your voice, means that sometimes we must hold the administration accountable. Thus, having a dean that is open and transparent is paramount.
Rest assured, whoever becomes the next dean of students will directly affect you, as you are current students, and will have friends that are following in your footsteps after you graduate and move on.
We must take on the responsibility that comes with being a close community and look after each other.
We call on everyone to reach out and let your voices be heard. If you are here over the summer, go to the candidate sessions and speak out. If you are leaving, channel your thoughts and feelings to your representatives who will be here. ASUW has appointed two such representatives so far, Carlos Gonzalez (cgonza14@uwyo.edu) and Connor Bergman (cbergma2@uwyo.edu), along with your ASUW representatives and ASUW President Seth Jones (asuwpres@uwyo.edu). There are also two administrators you can reach out to, Eric Webb (ewebb1@uwyo.edu) and Dr. Emily Monago (emonago@uwyo.edu).
