On Monday, Feb. 3, Michele Rosenthal, associate dean for undergraduate academic affairs and first year services, sent an e-mail to the class of 2005 to alert them that their class dean, Deborah Hahn, had resigned her position. Hahn, who was an assistant dean and coordinator of scholarships and fellowships, is leaving to spend more time with her family, according to the e-mail. According to Rosenthal, there is currently no replacement for Hahn."This assistant dean position has as its anchor scholarships and fellowships and that's relatively new," Rosenthal said. "Whenever there is a vacancy, I always take time to evaluate the position."

Rosenthal said she will not begin to conduct a search for a new dean before March, and the search may be affected if the position does not remain the same.

"I'd certainly want student input -- at least one student as part of the committee (to find a replacement for Hahn)," Rosenthal added.

Hahn was first to serve as class dean for the sophomore, junior and senior classes, changing her position each year with the class she served (he class of 2002), according to Rosenthal.

"She was a wonderful asset to this office," Rosenthal said of Hahn. "In her time, she did some really wonderful programming."

Rosenthal listed as Hahn's achievements the University's first concentration fair and a sophomore pep rally. "(Hahn showed) exceptional creativity and absolute commitment to Brandeis," Rosenthal said.

"Deb Hahn's departure is very bittersweet," said Bridget Ahearn, coordinator of first-year academic services. "She has a tremendous spirit and creative energy and we will definitely miss her involvement in the work of our office and in the Brandeis community."

"Deb Hahn was a terrific colleague ... she brings a wonderful creative spirit and vitality to her work, to the office, and to the Brandeis community," said Laura Lyndon, assistant dean for undergraduate academic affairs '03. "I will miss working with her."

For the remainder of the semester, sophomores will be able to contact Rosenthal or Lyndon. Ahearn said she will handle more of the responsibilities for the class of 2006 so that Rosenthal can handle the sophomore class. Hahn will not simply disappear from Brandeis. "Dean Hahn certainly continues to be in touch with me; she is a willing consultant," Rosenthal said.

"Sophomores should feel free to contact Dean Lyndon or me ... and to (continue to) access our office," Rosenthal added. "I wish Dean Hahn well and I thank her for her invaluable contribution to this office and to students.