Jennifer Meyer Schrage's path to the University involved a fear-inspiring fire and an arsonist believed to be a disgruntled student still on the loose.

The office of Eastern Michigan University's Student Judicial Services, where Meyer Schrage was the director, was set ablaze at 2 a.m. in late November.

The fire had caused $85,000 in damages by the time Ypsilanti firefighters extinguished it, officials said. No one was injured.

Meyer Schrage may have been the target of the fire. Officials say the fire was started in her office, the scene of a broken window and gasoline.

Concerned with her safety, she tendered her resignation two months later.

She said the fire department has no leads on who the arsonist may have been.

"I had to look out for my personal well-being," Meyer Schrage said at an interview in her new office in South Quad Residence Hall on Friday.

At the beginning of last month, Meyer Schrage took over as the director of the University of Michigan's Office of Student Conflict Resolution.

Simone Taylor, the University's associate vice president of student affairs, appointed Meyer Schrage.

"Her view of the world and how she sees that translating into conflict management and resolution work made her stand out as an extraordinary candidate," Taylor said. Taylor said that Meyer Schrage's tumultuous background was examined, but that after checking her references and learning about the circumstances, she was "fully convinced and fully satisfied."

"Every evidence I have is that Jennifer had great relationships with EMU students, that she engendered those great relationships and really sought them out and invested in them," Taylor said.

The new director was chosen after months of deliberation by a University search committee composed of faculty, staff and students. Taylor said the search process was highly inclusive and nationwide. It was managed by a diverse search committee.

The process involved candidates making public presentations to the University community as well as undergoing a series of interviews.

"I am delighted that we have been able to attract someone of (her) caliber," Taylor said. "Her combination of education, directly related experience and especially student development and social justice orientations points to great promise for forwarding OSCR's educational mission."

Interim OSCR director Karen Simpkins, who was once Meyer Schrage's former supervisor at EMU, said Meyer Schrage involved students in every aspect of the judiciary office.

"She was very professional and knew how to connect with students," said EMU student Catherine Kanitz, who worked in Meyer Schrage's office for two years.

The University is considering making changes to the Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities this school year. OSCR deals with violations of the statement.

Taylor said Meyer Schrage's "educational perspective and highly inclusive approach" will play an integral role in the process.

"I strongly encourage students to participate in the amendment process so it can be a successful year," Meyer Schrage said.

She said she is pushing for further student involvement in OSCR and has already hired several students to work in her office since taking the position.

"We are on the threshold of great opportunity for so many reasons," Schrage said. "I'm excited about the direction for this department and its commitment to building trust, promoting justice and promoting peace."

What is OSCR?

Part of the Division of Student Affairs, the Office of Student Conflict Resolution mediates student disagreements and deals with violations of the Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities, among other purposes. Its offices are at G121 in South Quad Residence Hall.