With the recent appointment of Pat Lampkin as the University's vice president for student affairs, a new set of goals has emerged as the basis for long-term, administrative student life policies.
In her current position, Lampkin is responsible for overseeing the Office of the Dean of Students, the Office of African-American Affairs, the Department of Student Health and University Career Services in providing programming services to undergraduate students.
She was officially appointed to the position in October, having served as interim vice president of student affairs the past 15 months, and as associate vice president for student affairs for six years prior.
Her energies have resulted in a long term planning initiative entitled Student Experience, which is part of the Virginia 2020 plan offering strategies that foster an optimal student experience. The initiative includes recommendations for developing more interdisciplinary courses and increasing funding for student use of University facilities, as well as broader support of study abroad programs.
"Academic rigor, honor, student self-governance and public service" are the four core values directing the initiative's proposals, Lampkin said.
Virginia Carter, director of external relations for the Office of Student Affairs, said these components are the key dimensions of Student Experience under the vision Lampkin has defined.
As the University faces budget cuts, Lampkin said her office intends to approach the problem fairly without shortchanging the quality of the student experience initiative.
"We have been and plan to continue to include students in the process of informing and determining how budget cuts might affect them," Lampkin said."As a division, we are looking closely at what are essential services and programs, and how we might deliver differently and as cost effectively as possible."
In the report outlining the long term goals of "Student Experience 2020," Lampkin's task force recommended the University "develop easy and efficient transitions ... that encourage and support study abroad."
Specifically, Lampkin's report suggests attacking the problematic issue of credit transfers.
Alison Montgomery, director of administration for student health, credits Lampkin for "supporting the department's social norming efforts, specifically in changing students' assumptions of normal behavior with alcohol."
These efforts have manifested as publicity campaigns and data collection projects sponsored by Student Health.
Montgomery said Lampkin has encouraged collaborative efforts among the various departments reporting to her. In addition, she has facilitated communication between different levels of University management.
"Ms. Lampkin is very good at representing the priorities of the top level of administration at the University, and representing our priorities to them," Montgomery said. "We've always had the feeling she listens to us with undivided attention."
Dean of Students Penny Rue described Lampkin's approach to administrative affairs as student-centered.
"She has a great ability to separate out what is important, and keep the focus where it should be," Rue said.
Already, Lampkin's formation of the Student Organizations and Programming Team -- composed of students, faculty and administration -- was responsible for recommending the new student activity center in Newcomb Hall, Carter said. Without the recommendation of the SOP, the planning for the new student center may never have taken place, she said.
"She is a blessing to the University and particularly to the students," said Aaron Laushway, assistant dean of students and director of fraternity and sorority life. "Ms. Lampkin has a long and distinguished record of service in support of the traditions setting this University apart."
Lampkin, who earned her doctorate of education from the University in 1986, also is an adjunct professor in the Education School. Prior to her positions at the Office of Student Affairs, she served as associate dean of students responsible for student life.
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