VPUL outlines goals

Acting Vice Provost for University Life Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum released a preliminary draft of her office's objectives for this semester yesterday. The preliminary report, which addresses student services, Residential Living and the Revlon Center, states basic goals and discusses each department under the jurisdiction of the VPUL Office. But despite the broad nature of the draft, McCoullum said she plans to focus primarily on diversifying Locust Walk and proceeding with plans for the Revlon Center this semester. "Our objective is to be fiscally sound, to provide high quality services, to improve facilities and to make sure that we know student needs," Associate Vice Provost for University Life Larry Moneta said. McCoullum said she has three main goals for her term as acting VPUL, the first of which is to help the directors of VPUL departments meet objectives faster. "Secondly, I want to reach out to student programs and organizations so they have a better idea of where they can go for program support," McCoullum said. "I want them to have a clear and concise mechanism for having suggestions implemented," she added. As her third main goal, McCoullum said she hopes "to build new connections to the schools and academic departments of the University, because the life of the University is first and foremost nurtured by our academic programs." The VPUL Office hopes to achieve that last goal by restructuring several academic programs, including PENNCAP, which provides services to low-income students. The objectives update also calls for the establishment of a Student Transitional Programs office to administer the New Student Orientation, Pre-Freshman, and Mentor programs. Maintaining and improving Residential Living, Student Health Services, student activities and life, performing arts and minority services is another focus of the VPUL agenda. "I will absolutely and unequivocally oppose any cuts in student services," McCoullum said last week. "I will also absolutely and unequivocally support the expansion of student services and activities." The VPUL Office is also in the midst of collecting student data and information through surveys and focus groups. The data will be used to plot goals and objectives more comprehensively, Moneta said. Throughout the report, marketing and promotion of VPUL services, events and activities is emphasized. The department directors will review, update and revise the draft, and a final report will be released within two weeks, McCoullum said.