New directors of studies are being hired as part of an initiative put forward by the Office of the Dean of the College, the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Students and the residential colleges in an effort to improve advising in the residential colleges. The University Board of Trustees approved the proposal in addition to expanding student financial aid in January.
"The directors of studies currently have too many competing obligations," Associate Dean of the College and former Rockefeller College director of studies Carol Porter said. "One of the major goals of the proposal was to add an additional staff member in the colleges in order to improve our ability to provide timely and necessary advice to our students."
"We envision, for the new directors of studies, a more central role working with the residential and minority affairs advisers in the colleges, in part to promote the importance of civility and community values in residential life," Porter said.
The current directors of studies will be promoted to the position of dean in their residential colleges to make way for the new directors of studies. Their academic advising responsibilities will overlap to make them more accessible to students and allow more time for them to work with faculty and academic advisors.
The University, which accepted applications through March 30, is currently in the process of selecting candidates. People from both inside and outside the University will be considered, said Porter.
She explained that the current directors of studies have seen the complexity and scope of their responsibilities increase substantially since the early 1980s, when the residential college system was established.
Since then, the directors of studies have gradually taken on academic responsibilities — such as approving course deficiencies and assigning tutors — that were once centralized at West College.
The directors of studies also act as discipline officers and oversee myriad residential academic programs such as the peer advising program, the Residential Education Program and the summer Freshman Scholars Institute.
"The directors of studies are uniquely placed to understand and influence the lives of our undergraduates, and are the primary University contact for the students' faculty and graduate student instructors, coaches, family members and other University personnel," Porter explained.
Read More
David Zielenziger ’74, former ‘Prince’ chairman and lifelong journalist, passes away at 72
Kian PetlinFriends and colleagues remember former ‘Prince’ chairman David Zielenziger ’74, who passed away peacefully on May 20.
Friends and colleagues remember former ‘Prince’ chairman David Zielenziger ’74 who passed away peacefully on May 20.
Remembering Dorothea von Moltke, Labyrinth co-founder and local community builder
Lucia BrownDorothea von Moltke, widely considered the heart of Labyrinth Books, was remembered by friends and loved ones for her passions for language, literature, and local activism.
Dorothea von Moltke, widely considered the heart of Labyrinth Books, was remembered by friends and loved ones for her passions for language, literature, and local activism.
Cloister Inn to pause operations for the next 2–3 years, citing “hefty renovations”
Justus WilhoitCloister Inn, one of Princeton’s eating clubs, will pause operations for the next two to three years, due to “hefty renovations” to the club’s house.
Cloister Inn, one of Princeton’s eating clubs, will pause operations for the next two to three years, due to “hefty renovations” to the club’s house.