Student Affairs Newsletter The official Student Affairs newsletter Pace University PLV & NYC
August 2021 Volume 1 | No. 2
Pleasantville Orientation Team smiles for the camera at the conclusion of one of their in-person Summer Setter Days!
DEAN CARPENTER’S CORNER The Power of Your Role I am writing this one week before I serve as the Hearing Officer and Decision Maker for a lengthy Title IX case including three days of live hearings with witnesses, Respondent, Complainant, and the parties’ advisors. This will be under the new regulations that, while it seems like court complete with cross-examination and opening/closing statements, is not a court proceeding. It is a grievance process with college students. And that is no small thing. During the 80+ hours of certification and training in the new regulations, I came across this quote that reassured me and centered my approach to this role. “The regulation sees decorum as the inseparable partner of fairness, and the hearing officer as the guardian of both.” It caused me to think how incredibly important, serious, and impactful this role can be…in ways I never imagined. I ask you to consider how you might be the guardian of fairness and decorum in your roles. How are you the guardian of fairness and decorum with students, between students, and even staff and colleagues? What does it mean to you to be a guardian? How do you define and exemplify fairness and decorum? What have you done in your career that you didn’t think would be asked of you? Your roles are important. Serious. Impactful. In ways you probably have never imagined. Rachel S. Carpenter | Interim University Dean for Students for NYC and Pleasantville Campuses