LOOK WHO’S TALKING

> REBECCA BIRON, New Dean of the College

You came to Hanover after years of teaching and serving as an associate residential mas- ter at the University of Miami. Any qualms about moving to New Hampshire?

Miami was a wonderful place to teach, espe- cially as a Latin Americanist scholar, but I was ready for a change. I’m still excited every time a new season comes around.

Can you explain the restructured dean of the college position?

It now oversees academic engagement out- side the classroom, in collaboration with the new vice provost for student affairs. The former dean of the college division had everything in it that touches students, except for courses and majors, which the dean of the fac- ulty covers. That was too much for one person to oversee. Now we have a student-life executive as vice provost, and a faculty mem- ber as dean of the college.

Why is it now required that the dean be a faculty member?

This means we can emphasize more effectively that student life should sup- port and be an integral part of the educational mission of the College.

How much of a difference will the new cluster housing system make to students?

It will provide a core social environment they can count on as they navigate their D-Plans. They won’t be required to participate in all of the intellectual community-building aspects we’ll offer, but residing as a member of the same group over several years will facilitate students accomplishing more with their co-residents than having to recreate new relationships every time they move.

What about goals for the “admissions, diver- sity and inclusivity” part of the job?

Dartmouth has historically been very clear on the value of diversity—economic, regional, ethnic, gender, not just race—for all of our students’ education. When we have healthier ranges, instead of Balkanized groups of students, we have a better chance of students positvely influencing and sup- porting each other.

With an 11-year-old son at home, a book in progress, Spanish and comp lit courses to teach, adding dean responsibilities might seem daunting to some people. It’s all fun!

“I’ll extend the things I love about teaching to the whole campus.”