In an effort to reach budget goals, Greg Bish’s position, Director of Student Programs and Student Leadership was cut. Bish’s former responsibilities were distributed among the Resident Directors of Shenawana Hall, Lambien Hall, Rothenbuhler Hall, and the Townhouses.
Vice President of Student Life Doctor Robert Pool emphasized Bish’s position being cut “was due strictly to the need to find budget savings.” Previously, Bish also oversaw the Campus Activities Board (CAB), student clubs and organizations, event funding, and student led spiritual programs. Pool said, “We mourn the loss of an individual who was instrumental to our student’s [time at Houghton]…[Bish] fulfilled his role beyond expectations.” However, Pool noted, the ‘silver lining’ in Bish’s absence is there are now four individuals involved in student programming, allowing for more one on one interaction.
Marc Smithers remains the Assistant Dean of Residence Life and Student Programming. He said the fact that Resident Directors are now taking on student programming responsibilities simply adds another “level” to what they already do. “They’re simply adding on campus level programming to floor and hall programming,” said Smithers.
Resident Directors have always had additional positions in relation to their main job title. These positions have included tasks such as overseeing hall chaplains.
Jason Stephens, Resident Director of Shenawana Hall, is now the Assistant Director of Student Programs. He oversees “campus identity” events, such as SPOT. He is also the staff advisor for CAB.
Krista Maroni, Resident Director of Lambien, is now the Assistant Director of Student Organizations. No longer working in the Admissions office, she will be working closely with club advisors, and students looking to start a new club. Her goal is to keep clubs and activities thriving, as well as get new students involved at Houghton. She also will work overseeing international student programs such as Interconnect and the host family program.
JL Miller, Resident Director of the Townhouses, is the Assistant Director of Campus Ministries. He is the acting liaison for Christian Life Funding. This affects student programs and events such as Mercy Seat and The Cry. Miller also oversees event club funding, such as Paddle Sports and the Drawing Board.
Laura Cunningham’s role has been somewhat less affected by the administrative changes. According to Smithers, this is due to her position as Resident Director of Gillette Hall, the largest dorm on campus. However, Cunningham will be more involved with service opportunities this year, as the Assistant Director for Service Opportunities. One of these opportunities include a potential service trip to Buffalo during October Break.
Along with these changes, Maroni added, “We’ve [Student Life Staff] changed the role a bit by limiting the student programs involvement in non-student related events to maintain healthier boundaries for student leaders.”
Maroni added these changes aim to present a “unified message” to students by connecting Residence Life and Student Programming. She said, “In the past these messages has been a little disconnected or competing. It’s also convenient that we have a lot of control over the calendar so we will try and find more balance for students between activities, hall events and other commitments students are pulled between. This change gives us one more avenue to create a great student experience”.
Smithers agrees. He said he is “excited to see how this [new arrangement] will help students become more involved” during their time at Houghton.