University President Mark Schlissel has announced the creation of a 17-member advisory committee to start the search for the next University of Michigan vice president for Student Life.
The new vice president will succeed E. Royster Harper, who is set to retire in January. In the announcement, Schlissel explained the position oversees many offices and services that support students both inside and outside the classroom.
“As we begin the search for a new vice president for Student Life, I invite all members of our community, particularly students, to share their views and ideas on what qualities we should be looking for as we seek to fill this important position,” Schlissel said.
Chaired by Alec Gallimore, dean of the College of Engineering, the committee includes professors, staff, provosts and current students from a variety of colleges. The three students on the advisory board are Engineering junior Heba Abdallah, member of the Society of Women Engineers and Arab Student Association; Rackham student Hayden Jackson, Rackham representative on Central Student Government; and LSA senior Taylor Fegan, Panhellenic Council president.
Tasked with gathering input from the University community, the committee plans to hold meetings with constituency groups and to send out a survey specifically for students. Two public town halls are also planned on Oct. 21 from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Trotter Multicultural Center, and another on Oct. 23 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. in Palmer Commons.
According to the announcement, the selection process will be confidential until Schlissel makes his recommendation to the Board of Regents.