The Department of Residence Life has undergone changes, including Maggie Balch's appointment as Director of Residence Life. In addition, Associate Director of Residence Life Robert Andrews has shifted from his previous role as Ziv Quad Director. Michael LaFarr is in his second year as Associate Director. "(Balch) has skills in the student development area" and "brings a different style," Dean of Student Life Rick Sawyer said. "She's a people person." Balch worked previously at University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth, Indiana University, and Washington University.

Sawyer described Andrews as "bright and caring," and he commended his past work at Brandeis.

The authority structure outside of the Residence Life office has also been rearranged. On Oct. 1, Lori Tenser was promoted to Assistant Dean of Student Life, joining Alwina Bennett and Reverend Nathaniel Mays at this level. This is Tenser's 13th year at Brandeis. She began as Massell Quad Director and most recently, was the Director of Judicial Education.

This appointment is part of an overall restructuring designed by Sawyer. In the past, there were only two assistant deans, and many department heads reported straight to Sawyer. "The number of people reporting directly to me wasn't efficient for me or for them," Sawyer said.

Now, there are three assistant deans, each of whom oversees two departments, forming what Sawyer termed a triangular "squad."

Tenser's squad includes the department of Residence Life and Judicial Education. According to Balch, this creates "another advocate in the Dean's office for Residence Life issues."

Both Balch and Andrews expressed enthusiasm about working with Tenser. "We're really excited. She's one more person to help with students in residence," Andrews said.

"Now, we can do our job better. This frees us up to work with (students) more closely," he said.

Balch added that she expects Tenser will "strengthen the support structure." Tenser is "an extra head to help us figure it all out."

"So much of what we do is based on life experience. (Tenser) brings so much experience," Balch said.

"I think we will be more focused. This is an opportunity to develop new perspectives and develop strong teams of professional staff."

The concentrated duties of each assistant dean, will, according to Tenser, allow a "better ability to respond to student needs in a timely, efficient way," and a "better way to reach out to students."

She said she feels a "new, good energy" has surfaced. "We have an enjoyable, productive learning environment."

"We'll be fine-tuning it as the year goes on," Tenser said.