Continuing Our Mission to Improve the Student Experience

August 1, 2018

Dear Colleagues,

It is with great excitement that I write to you today!

Four years ago, Dr. McGinty provided me with the fantastic opportunity to join the Rutgers University—New Brunswick community. During a pivotal time in the institution’s history, we worked to ensure that the Division of Student Affairs is both stronger organizationally and well-positioned to transform the student experience as the university continues its advancement towards excellence.

We would not be where we are today if not for Felicia’s innovative and student-centered leadership. She inspired us to work better together, to keep students at the heart of what we do, and to be champions for addressing critical issues such as ending sexual violence and food insecurity among students. Felicia has provided us with a strong foundation from which to continue to serve our students and the institution with distinction. In short, her legacy is nothing but remarkable and with all that we have accomplished together over the last four years, I’m honored and humbled to continue serving you and our students as the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs.

While the landscape around us continues to evolve, Student Affairs remains steadfast on improving the student experience and being excellent institutional citizens in support of our campus partners and colleagues. We will continue on this path as we strive to realize our vision, mission, and core values in service to our students and each other.

During the fall semester, I look forward to meeting with as many of you as possible. In visiting offices and attending programs, I hope to gain insight into our division from your perspective and gather ideas that can help inform how we move forward together. I will also be instituting additional office hours during the fall to ensure that I am accessible to you and our students. The coming year will present its share of institutional, divisional, and student-specific challenges, opportunities, and defining moments. I cannot predict what those will be, but I am confident in each of you and in our collective spirit to meet them head-on.

As we look forward to the start of the academic school year, I want to thank you in advance for all you will do in the year ahead. Whether you provide students with direct services, facilitate learning and developmental opportunities, or carry out administrative and business functions, what you do is important and helps students realize their hopes and aspirations. Remember that the “U” in Rutgers is not just limited to our students, but also includes YOU.

With heartfelt gratitude,
Salvador

Salvador B. Mena, PhD
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Rutgers University-New Brunswick