Pace Paw Print

President Stephen Friedman seems to be settling into his new office, judging by the changes he outlined in a letter addressed to the Pace community.

The letter, titled Administrative Reorganization, was posted on the Pace Portal on Sept. 18. In it, Friedman explained recent changes, which involved combining related functions, promotions, and eliminating programs.

These alterations, according to the letter, will be effective immediately.

These changes were said to be brought on by the President's mission to direct Pace in fulfilling its core mission, "teaching students and encouraging their learning," according to Executive Director of Public Information, Christopher Cory.

The condensation of certain offices effected Executive Vice President Rick Whitfield, who in addition to serving as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, will now also serve as Chief Administrative Officer.

Also, Allison Sokaris, previously responsible for Presidential events, will now be in charge of all special events as part of her new title, University Director of the Office of University Special Events. In her new role she will be in charge of graduation, scholarship dinners, and other receptions.

"This shift is designed to integrate our special events more closely with our general marketing strategy and to streamline services for our internal special events," Friedman said.

Promotions include appointing Cindy Heilberger as the President's new Chief of Staff as well as Mehgan French as Assistant Vice President.

The President said Heilberger would retain her previous responsibilities, and in addition will "assume greater responsibility for coordinating and assuring the timely completion of projects initiated by my office."

French is taking over the position her previous boss, Cindy Rubino, held for seven years before her departure in Aug. As Assistant Vice President, French will be in charge of the Office of Government and Community Relations, and splitting her time between both the New York and Pleasantville campuses.

The Center for Downtown New York, created after the events of 9/11, The Institute for American Irish Studies at Pace University's Midtown Center, as well as the Pace Poll, which served to increase Pace's publicity by polling the public on subjects such as political events, have been closed.

Cory said that these buildings and programs were "not directly related to the core mission," and were, therefore, eliminated.

The functions of the Center for Downtown New York, however, will now be the responsibility of the Office of Government and Community Relations.

As far as the Pace Poll's elimination, there is a possibility that some social science classes might undertake some polling as part of class projects.

These changes are expected to produce modest budget savings as well as subtle increases in efficiency. What effects the changes will have? That remains to be seen.

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