CAMPUS BRIEFS: Monday, November 3, 1997

Residence Life director accepts permanent job He will continue to oversee programs and support services during the implementation of the new college house system. Dennis, who came to the University 17 years ago as an English professor, has worn many hats during the past few years, as several dorm-related departments were reorganized. After a stint as director of academic programs in residence, Dennis was appointed acting director of residence life in 1996 when the departments of Housing and Residence Life and Residential Maintenance merged. This summer, the University decided to split residential duties between Business Services -- which now oversees residential maintenance and operations -- and the Office of the Vice Provost for University Life, which handles the programmatic aspects of residence. During that reorganization, Dennis was named acting director of Academic Programs and Residence Life, and Larry Moneta took over the operations responsibilities as associate vice president for campus services. Dennis said he is excited about the position, but he admitted that reorganizing University residences into college houses next fall will prove challenging. "The main thing is to manage the very considerable changes that the [residential] organization and the University are going through," Dennis said. "And to try and focus on the new possibilities and challenges for developing a strong program of academic support and build strong residential communities." -- Dina Bass