Dear Colleagues,
 
I write to share news of several key modifications to positions within the Division of Academic Affairs.
 
Dr. Patrick Boyle, PhD, who currently serves as Associate Provost for International Initiatives and Academic Services, will assume broader responsibility for the university's expanding global initiatives. In that capacity, Dr. Boyle has been named Associate Provost and Assistant to the President for Global Affairs and Initiatives. Reporting to both the president and provost, he will provide coordination and direction for all aspects of the university's international initiatives, including the Office of International Programs, recruitment and curriculum development for the John Felice Rome Center and the Beijing Center, Vietnam academic programs and initiatives, international immersions, and strategic global initiatives.  In order to focus on this global portfolio, Dr. Boyle will relinquish his responsibilities for student academic services, for which he has provided excellent leadership.
 
Fr. Justin Daffron, S.J., PhD, has been named Associate Provost for Academic Services, assuming responsibility for those duties relinquished by Dr. Boyle.  Fr. Daffron has served during the past two years as the Director of the First Year Experience; since September 2008, he also has served as Interim Director of Academic Advising and Services. In that capacity, he has reinvigorated the first year programs, developed new programs to enhance student success and retention, and reorganized academic advising and student academic support services. Fr. Daffron's responsibilities will include a broad array of student services that encompass Academic Advising, First Year Experience, Academic Success (Tutoring, Learning Assistance), The Hub, the Center for Experiential Learning, and the Career Development Center. Reporting directly to the Provost, he will coordinate all aspects of the undergraduate advising system, both within the Sullivan Center and across the undergraduate schools.
 
Dr. Marian Claffey, PhD, who was named Assistant Provost for Administration last year, is also assuming additional responsibilities. Dr. Claffey now will facilitate planning for major academic events and conferences, as well as planning initiatives related to the new strategic plan. She will continue coordinating matters related to accreditation, the Board of Trustees Academic Affairs Committee, contract review, commencements, and daily operations in the Provost's offices located in Burrowes Hall, LSC, and 25 E Pearson (Suite 720), WTC.
 
With each of these changes, my goal is to continue enhancing the quality of services to better serve our students and faculty, as well as to successfully manage the strategic and operational needs of Academic Affairs.
 
Please join me in congratulating Dr. Boyle, Fr. Daffron, and Dr. Claffey on their new and important responsibilities.
 
I wish you a productive (and relaxing) summer.  I want to thank all of you for your many efforts to successfully conclude this academic year.
 
Christine M. Wiseman, J.D.
Provost