By Graham Cook
Kyle Acierno, SFSS arts rep and SASS president, has drafted a proposal for the creation of a student affairs officer. The proposal describes the position as being “responsible for developing programming, advising student organizations and student leaders, and conducting research to meet the needs of the whole student — physical, emotional and mental.”
The document also claims that Tim Rahilly, VP-Students, “has agreed to provide half the financial support” for the position. This comes with the condition that the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences will provide the rest of the funding and strategic support.
The same report cites a 2010 survey completed by SFU about the top 10 things that students would improve about the school. The findings concluded that other than repairing facilities, the biggest focus was on student life. The document goes on to describe that “although student societies . . . and student clubs have existed at SFU since the early 1960s, there still appears to be a disconnect between the students and the university.” Also mentioned are the current student issues in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, most of which surround the poor relationship between the dean’s office or Arts Central and the student population.
On this proposed position, Acierno told The Peak that it would be very connected to both the administration and the students. He also said that it comes in response to “the lack of engagement that our faculty provided for students in the faculty.” In addition, Acierno said the inspiration for this came from observing the Arts Undergraduate Society at UBC where there is a similar position: “Once I found out that they have a person there . . . helping to engage the students, helping to help the students, helping to work with them, and make activities and make events for them I thought this was something that is really necessary here.” Nancy Johnston, executive director of SFU Student Affairs, has also been noted as being in favour of this position being implemented.
Acierno’s report concludes: “Student social integration and engagement at SFU is relatively low. Given the anticipated student retention benefits of a more engaged student population, SFU should consider ways to increase awareness of social activities and opportunities to increase engagement of its students on campus.”
In the Faculty of Science, a similar position existed to bridge the gap between students and administration. However, the position was eliminated in January of this year by dean of science Dr. Claire Cupples.
