VP: big job ahead

With the recent exodus of numerous upper level administrators from Tufts, it isn't a great surprise that there is talk of creating a new Vice President for Student Affairs position. With fears that the recently eliminated VP position will simply be recreated, it is also no surprise that President Bacow has ensured the new position will be categorically different than its predecessor.

The idea of creating a top-level administrative position in charge of addressing issues that span the entire University _ undergraduate and graduate, Medford and beyond _ is a good one. But the vagueness of the position's requirements and criteria suggests that no one really knows what is going on... not to mention whether or not the idea is actually going to work.

If implemented properly, the job could ensure a closer-knit community that brings together Tufts' many schools and programs, which tend to be rather detached from the undergraduate population due to their geographic scattering. But without a clearly defined job description, such a position risks adding another layer of bureaucracy and gives the impression that Tufts is foolishly using much-needed funds to create a spot that doesn't need to be created.

The detailed responsibilities of various administrators are not always clear to students, and to an extent, do not need not be depending on how closely these administrators interact with the student body. A student affairs position, however, should be one whose responsibilities and duties are clear to students, as it will certainly be a job that directly affects student life in a variety of ways.

Given the amount of new faces in the administration recently, if possible, the new VP should be also selected from the Tufts' community. A candidate who is already familiar with the school would be able to get to work right away, without needing time to become accustomed to the nuances of the University. And a thorough understanding of Tufts' various undergraduate and graduate groups is especially important for such a student-centered position.

At a time when Tufts seems to be losing some of its best, new administrators who enhance the Tufts experience and improve the quality of the school are not only welcome, but also much needed. The University should continue to work hard to find the right fit for the job. But first, it should more clearly define just what kind of job it is in the first place.