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SMU will open its residential commons in August 2013. (Christopher Saul / The Daily Campus)
The opening of the new student dorms is causing a wave of change, including the evolution of a position.
Dean of Student Life Dr. Lori White announced in an email Thursday Feb. 7 that the position of Executive Director of Residence Life and Student Housing will be removed to create a new position, Dean of Residence Life and Student Housing. Dr. White said in her email, sent out to faculty and staff, that the position of dean would help the transition into the residential dorms.
“Structurally, the Dean in a residential commons model is viewed as both a student affairs position and one with the credentials to interact effectively with academic affairs,” said White.
The decision to change this position comes back to what the new residential commons model will represent to SMU’s campus.
“The move to a residential commons model, coupled with the new university curriculum and the Engaged Learning program, is a critical component of SMU’s strategy to become a ‘top 50’ university, and to enhance the connection between students inside and outside of the classroom,” said White.
The role of dean in a residential commons model is “viewed as both a student affairs position and one with the credentials to interact effectively with academic