The University announced the appointment of Kim Godsoe last Thursday as dean of academic services, a new office that merged academic affairs and student enrichment services. Godsoe, the acting associate dean of student enrichment services, has worked at Brandeis for nearly 13 years in student support services and undergraduate academic affairs.

"This is a wonderful opportunity to really ask how changes can be made [to academic advising]," Godsoe said, adding that she looks forward to coming up with a plan to improve advising.

Associate Dean of Undergraduate Affairs Michele Rosenthal said she was also interested in the position, and is "disappointed she would not have the opportunity to serve the Brandeis community" after this semester. Both Rosenthal's and Godsoe's current positions will be eliminated by the creation of the office of academic services this January.

"I so enjoyed my work with students, so enjoyed my work with faculty and staff, and feel very good about many initiatives," Rosenthal said.

She declined to comment on the specifics of the internal search.

But someone close to the search process said that although Rosenthal applied for the new position, the search committee, chaired by Dean of Student Life Rick Sawyer, refused to grant her an interview.

"[Rosenthal] was just shocked," said the person familiar with the search process, who would speak only on condition of anonymity. "She was prepared for the fact she might not get the job, but not that she would not be interviewed."

"[Rosenthal] was treated unfairly and ruthlessly," another person close to the search said who also remained anonymous. "[Senior Vice President for Students and Enrollment Jean Eddy] needs to be called on this thing."

Sawyer declined numerous requests for comment and a message left for Eddy through her secretary Monday was not returned.

People familiar with the search said the lack of transparency in the search process for the new position was troubling.

"I would question the objectivity of that [search] committee," Prof. Esther Ratner (ROCL) said. "I don't want to think of Brandeis as a place that does murky things. I'd like to see more openness, more honesty."

The second person familiar with the search added the committee "never took [Rosenthal's] candidacy seriously."

None of those critical of the search spoke ill of Godsoe's work, but said they were surprised the administration didn't create a position for Rosenthal within the restructuring.

Professors praised Rosenthal's performance in academic affairs, and said they wished she would remain.

"I'm really sad to see Rosenthal go," Ratner said. "I thought she was really, extremely competent. I liked her attitude and how she treated people."

As dean, Rosenthal said she strengthened first-year and sophomore advising, created the Roosevelt Fellows program, organized the junior reception at University President Jehuda Reinharz's house and implemented several information session.

Prof. Robin Miller (GRALL) who served as dean of arts and sciences when Rosenthal was hired, said that Godsoe is "richly deserving" of the new position, but added that she wished there was a place for both.