Administrators: not just faceless bureaucrats

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

Entering his sixth 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 also made headlines for his firm stance on union contract negotiations and tenure reform.

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 appointed to his second five-year term in 1997, deals with faculty appointments and funding allocation for various areas of the University. When you hear him speak at the freshman assembly, you'll marvel at his eloquence--Brodhead was an English professor before he became Dean. In fact, he still teaches a senior English seminar. Brodhead enjoys being a public figure; he once dressed up as his wife in a Yale Symphony Orchestra Halloween show and has been known to take a turn in the Spring Fling dunk tank. He frequently meets with student leaders, both as individuals and through his Advisory Committee.

Less visible to undergraduates but still important behind the scenes 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. Aside from 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 approval by the Yale Corporation.

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 Yale College Council, the Undergraduate Organizational Funding Committee, and many other campus organizations to discuss student concerns and help plan major events.

Each residential college is assigned a Master and a Dean, two faculty members who double as valuable links between students and the rest of the Administration. By living in the residential colleges with their families, Masters and Deans become familiar with students on a personal level and are thus able to guide them 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 by eating in the dining hall, participating in college social events, and attending college council meetings. They are intimately involved with enhancing the educational and social life of the college, be it through pizza study breaks in the Master's House or through Master's Teas, which give students opportunities to meet a variety of experts and famous figures.

The Dean serves as the chief academic and personal advisor. He or she 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 you to receive tutoring.

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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