During the second of a series of three candidate presentations for the dean of students position, Phil Riordan addressed the University community Friday morning, describing his core beliefs about the role of the student affairs office.
Riordan currently serves as associate vice president for student affairs at Millersville University in Pennsylvania. Riordan has also worked at The University of North Carolina at Charlotte as associate director of housing and residence life and at James Madison University as assistant director of residence life.
Riordan, who holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policies from University of South Carolina at Columbia, began his presentation by stressing the importance of creating a welcoming environment in student affairs offices.
"When students walk into our office," he said, "they [should] feel like they're going to get some attention and care."
Riordan explained that being welcoming does not always mean always saying yes to student requests, but noted those working in student affairs must always be fair.
"Say no, but it's important to tell them why the answer is no," he said. "It's important to also look for other ways to achieve what they are trying to do."
Not only should a dean of students work to provide an environment open to students, Riordan said, he should also try to stay on top of important issues affecting students' lives.
Riordan noted students learn a considerable amount outside of the classroom, and said those working in student affairs can have a huge impact on that learning process.
"Students learn in a variety of ways," he said. The more we can understand that ... the better off we will be in understanding students."
Learning outside of the classroom, however, should not be limited to students' immediate environment. Riordan emphasized the importance of being aware of what is going on all over the world in order to become global citizens.
"We need to help students get out there and contribute to society as a whole," he said.
After his presentation, Riordan said what he would like students to take away from his visit to the University is that as dean of students, he would always be available to students.
"I want students to know I will make myself accessible," he said. "If I should get the position, I will reach out to them in any way, and I hope they will stop by and say hello ... that's why I'm in this profession."
Following the conclusion of Riordan's presentation, students and administrators present declined to comment because the presentation was a part of an ongoing selection process, but Christina Morell, assistant vice president for student affairs, said the process of bringing candidates to Grounds has been going well thus far.
"The candidates have had very good sessions with the community," she said, "and have engaged in good conversations."
Although only a small number of students were in attendance, Morell noted that "all you can do is create a session and afford the opportunity," adding "just the fact that there has been any participation is great."
As for what happens next in the process, Morell said several more steps will occur before the final decision is made.
"After the last [presentation] we will look to amass feedback provided by participants in the process," she said. "The vice president will evaluate that information and consult with the search committee and look to make decision in the near future ... in early May if feasible"
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