Administrators: not just faceless bureaucrats

FILE PHOTO President Richard Levin

FILE PHOTO Dean Richard Brodhead

By Sheela V. Pai

The Administration may seem to be an intimidating bureaucracy at first glance. But as you become familiar with the major figures and their unique personalities, it becomes easy to see how they provide a strong support system for undergraduates.

Entering his fifth year as the University's 22nd President, Richard C. Levin, GRD '74, has won praise for his energy, interest in student affairs, and commitment to New Haven. His efforts to improve town-gown relations include the Homebuyers' Initiative Program, a $1.9 million contribution to the Broadway renovation project, and a restructuring of the Office of Public Affairs. A former dean of the graduate school and economics professor, Levin has been at Yale for over 20 years. Levin has made headlines for his firm stance on union contract negotiations and for personally donating thousands of dollars towards this year's Spring Fling band, the Indigo Girls.

Due to his subtle humor and fun-loving personality, Yale College Dean Richard Brodhead, BR '68, GRD '72, is perhaps the most popular and approachable administrator at Yale. Brodhead, who was recently appointed to another five year term, deals with faculty appointments and funding allocation for various areas of the University. When you hear him speak at the freshman assembly, listen carefully to his eloquence--Brodhead was an English professor before he became Dean. In fact, he still teaches a Directed Studies literature section and a senior seminar. Brodhead enjoys interacting with undergraduates; he once dressed up as his wife in a Yale Symphony Orchestra Halloween show and took a turn in the Spring Fling dunk tank. He frequently meets with student leaders, both as individuals and through his Advisory Committee.

Perhaps the least visible administrator is Provost Alison F. Richard. A Cambridge graduate with a doctorate in primate biology, Richard is the chief academic and budgetary officer of the University. Except for President Levin, all deans, committee chairs, and educational officials report to Richard. Richard helps determine faculty salaries and chairs the budget committee, which prepares both the operating and capital budgets for finalization by the Yale Corporation.

COURTESY OPA Provost Alison Richard

JULIA TIERNAN/YH Dean Betty Trachtenberg

As Dean of Student Affairs, Betty Trachtenberg deals with issues that affect everyday student life. "The Office of Student Affairs is here to oversee extracurricular activities and to provide support for all students," Trachtenberg said. While notorious for her crackdowns on underage drinking at frat parties, water balloons on Tap Night, and illegal postering, Trachtenberg's influence extends to many other aspects of Yale student life. Extracurricular activities, student organizations, and the Executive Committee all fall under her jurisdiction. Trachtenberg meets frequently with the YCC, the Undergraduate Organizational Funding Committee, and many other campus organizations to discuss student concerns and help plan major events.

Each residential college is assigned two administrators, a Master and a Dean, who act as valuable links between students and the rest of the Administration. By living in the residential colleges with their families, they become familiar with students on a much more personal level and guide them one-on-one through their four years at Yale.

The Master is the chief administrative officer of the residential college and is responsible for the well-being and security of students. While continuing to teach, write, and research, Masters become acquainted with students on a social level by eating in the dining hall, participating in college social events, and attending college council meetings. He or she is intimately involved with enhancing the educational and social life of the college, be it through pizza study breaks in the Master's home or Master's Teas, which give students opportunities to meet a variety of famous figures.

The Dean serves as the chief academic and personal advisor. The Dean handles academic regulations and signs course schedules. If you are ever too sick to finish an assignment, a Dean's Excuse will extend your deadline. In addition, the Dean can talk to your instructor or arrange for a tutor.

It is important to remember that the Administration, large and powerful though it may be, is not here to make Yale life more difficult or less enjoyable. Rather, every administrator is working hard to improve your time here.

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