Acting VPUL to stay on

McCoullum to hold post til '95 Interim Provost Marvin Lazerson will announce today that Acting Vice Provost for University Life Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum will stay on in her position for another year, McCoullum said last night. McCoullum's term was set to end on June 30 of this year. Earlier this month, McCoullum said the search for a new VPUL would not begin until a new provost was named. But, the provost position is not expected to be filled before May 1, at the earliest. McCoullum said Lazerson discussed the idea of having her stay on for another year with Interim President Claire Fagin and President-elect Judith Rodin. The three concluded that extending McCoullum's appointment for another year will ensure an orderly transition between the terms of Fagin and Rodin, according to McCoullum. Fagin said last night that she thinks McCoullum's decision to stay on is "marvelous." "This will bring continuity into the new year," she said. Fagin added that McCoullum's "openness with the [University] community has been very helpful." Rodin said she too is delighted with McCoullum's decision. "It certainly helps me in my transition," she said yesterday. Fagin said McCoullum has done a great job so far in addressing the concerns of students. After McCoullum's appointment as acting VPUL last fall, several student leaders feared cuts in several student services and programs. To date, no such cuts have been made. "There has been recognition that she is trying very hard," Fagin said. And, recently, when The Daily Pennsylvanian reported that several McGinn Security Services guards were found asleep on the job, McCoullum took immediate action. Within days, she placed McGinn on formal notice that their contract with the University may be terminated at the end of a 30 day discussion period. McCoullum said when Lazerson asked her to consider staying on for another 12 months, it was not a difficult decision. "I told him it would be my pleasure," she said. The acting VPUL said she hoped to continue forging partnerships with students throughout next year. "I believe we have begun to actively confront a number of pressing institutional issues and this term will allow me an expanded opportunity to work these issues through," she said. McCoullum said, however, that she will not be the permanent choice for the VPUL position. "My term will definitely end on June 30, 1995," she said. Lazerson could not be reached for comment last night.

Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.