University appoints former student to top job

By Lynde Smith
Staff Writer

Last year there were 425 cases of disciplinary proceeding that went through the dean of students office and this semester someone new is handling those cases.

Kathy Munn began her job as assistant dean of students a month and a half ago.

"I have always been interested in the assistant dean of students office, so when the position became available I found it to be a very challenging opportunity to interact with students," she said.

Munn said she feels strong ties to the University.

She received both her bachelor's degree in psychology and her master's degree in organizational behavior and human resource management from Purdue.

She's been working at Purdue for a little more than four years. She began working in personnel services and then spent two and a half years in the office of the registrar. In that office, Munn coordinated commencement ceremonies and served as a resource for the privacy of student educational records.

Ken Coleman, associate dean of students, said Munn is a great addition to the staff. He said she has already made great contributions to the office.

"I think that (Munn) is ideal for the position," he said.

In this new role, Munn will be serving as a resource for students, faculty and staff on issues of student rights and responsibilities, conduct and academic integrity. Her primary responsibility is to coordinate student conduct issues.

"This allows me to help students get in touch with their values and how that is influencing their behavior," Munn said. "We help the student look at their ethics and integrity, and we do this in a learning environment.

"In the dean of students office we look at the student as a whole person. Everything they do contributes to their success."

The faculty in the dean of students office helps students learn how to exercise their rights and responsibilities in an educational environment, Munn said.

She said a lot of what the office does has to do with University regulations.

For example, if a student is accused of academic dishonesty, he or she may be brought in for disciplinary proceedings. The dean of students office insures due process. The student is presented with the allegations and is given the chance to respond. If necessary, disciplinary actions are then carried out.

Academic dishonesty is only one example of misconduct outlined in the student conduct code. If it is decided that a disciplinary penalty should be imposed, the student has the opportunity to appeal that decision to the Campus Appeals Board, Munn said.

"We focus on the student's behavior, not their character," Munn said. "We bring them in and talk to them about the consequences of their choices and help them consider making different choices in the future."

The dean of students office offers many other services to students and it is often a misinterpretation that students go there only for discipline, Munn said.

When applying for the job, Munn said she was given a direct description of what the job would be like, and so far the position has met those expectations.

"If I am making a positive difference in a student's life, then it makes it worth it," she said.

Munn said the atmosphere in this office - which is to help students succeed — has impressed her.

"The staff in the office of the dean of students truly cares about the students' development and wellbeing," she said.

Munn said she hopes she can be of service to students and help them to achieve one of the goals of the University, which are academic and personal success of students.

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Campus editor: Laura Pelner

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