The student life office will undergo some staff changes in preparation for the fall semester according to Judy Daniels, dean of student life. Currently, the student life office is looking for a new student life coordinator/Greek adviser, because Rina Clarke’s contract was not renewed by the University, Daniels said. Oscar West, former assistant director of residence life, is no longer employed with the University because recent restructuring of the student life office has eliminated his position.

“We all agreed that it was in the best interest of the University,” Daniels said when asked about why Clarke was no longer employed by the University.

Daniels said that complaints about Clarke from some students were not a factor in her departure.

“You don’t disrupt a professional career over a few complaints,” Daniels said.

According to Daniels, with Clarke’s departure, there are some concerns that will need to be addressed by the person who will fill the position. These concerns include strengthening some of the Greek chapters and making sure that students are maintaining their grades and that Greeks are positive role models on campus.

“We want students to leave Nicholls feeling like they have had a good experience,” Daniels said. “We have just begun a formal search to fill the Greek life adviser position for the coming year. Our hope is that we will be able to fill the position before the beginning of the fall, because that is a critical time for Greeks.”

The search will be national. The University has created a search committee of eight students, faculty and staff members. According to Michael Matherne, search committee chair, the committee will meet and review resumes and interview potential applicants before submitting three names to the dean of student life.

“I let the committee do the search and then they make a recommendation to me at the end of the search, process,” Daniels said.

The position requires that the candidate have a bachelor’s degree, but a master’s degree is preferred. The perfect candidate should have at least two years experience advising Greeks and plan on making a three-to-five year commitment to the University, Daniels said.

“It takes time to build a program,” Daniels said. “Our preference right now on this campus is to find someone with IFC experience, because our male fraternities are needing more help and more insight and direction.”

While the University looks for a new Greek life adviser, Daniels will coordinate the Greek life program and will be assisted by three student life staff members. Jennifer White, auxiliary services coordinator, will work with National Panhellenic Council members; Tommy Ponson, assistant director of residence life, will work with National Pan-Hellenic Council members; and Matherne will work with Interfraternity Council members.

“These are three staff members affiliated with student life, but they are all Greek,” Daniels said. “I am the dean and I am responsible, but I am not a Greek.”

Daniels wants to make sure that any student who has questions about Greek life will receive the answers needed to make the appropriate decision.

“I want to make sure I have enough people to assist me to provide information and so that we don’t miss a step when planning for recruitment,” Daniels said.

According to Daniels, the position West had will not be filled, because with the restructuring that occurred in student life, West’s duties are no longer part of the student life office.

“Right now there is a director of housing operations,” Daniels said. “Oscar used to conduct most of those duties and those duties no longer exist.” Housing operations is part of auxiliary services.

“Things change and I have to do what is in the best interest of students,” Daniels said. “We are excited to attract new people with new ideas as well as continue to work with the people who are committed to serving students at Nicholls.