In her first months as dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Mary Sansalone has undertaken massive reforms without disclosing her intentions or communicating her vision for the school’s future to the University community.

Dean Sansalone is changing the dual-degree program by combining it with regular engineering school operations. To this end, dual degree program advisor Judy Sawyer was asked to leave the school. EnCouncil members report that the dean is also tightening budgets and attempting to merge the civil engineering and mechanical engineering departments. Widespread rumors are circulating amongst students that other departments could be merged and neglected in favor of the more prominent Biomedical Engineering department.

Whether or not this is a correct or exhaustive list of reforms is unknown because the Dean has not made her plans public. As reported in last Wednesday’s Student Life “New dean startles engineers with swift program changes,” Oct. 18, 2006), Dean Sansalone refused to answer questions from students at a Dean’s Forum regarding Judy Sawyer’s dismissal. This prompted many dual degree engineers to walk out of the Dean’s Forum in protest. Moreover, Student Life tried to cover a recent meeting between dual-degree engineers and Dean Sansalone, but Dean Sansalone refused to conduct the meeting with a reporter present. Beyond just not answering questions, she goes out of her way to keep the University community in the dark.

Whether or not engineers agree with the actions of their dean, the University hired Sansalone to run the Engineering School as she sees fit. This includes overhauling the school if she thinks such a remodeling is necessary. But without knowledge of her plans for the future, it is impossible to judge whether the school will be better off after her tenure as dean. Students, as paying customers, have a right to know the product they are purchasing. They should be kept informed of whatever changes will be undertaken within their school. Faculty and staff, as the employees of the University, have a right to know what working conditions to expect and be afforded the opportunity to voice their opinions.

Beyond acknowledging the rights of others to be kept informed, it is in Dean Sansalone’s best interest to openly communicate her vision and be receptive to feedback. The best leaders are those who listen. By being forthcoming and respecting the opinions of others, she will create an atmosphere of trust and accountability. If the community trusts Dean Sansalone and understands her desires for the school, they will be more cooperative and receptive to change. By keeping the community in the dark, Dean Sansalone risks isolating herself and eliciting a knee-jerk negative reaction from others.

Particularly as a newcomer to the University, it is important that Dean Sansalone promote a philosophy of inclusion rather than exclusion. Dean Sansalone: you have many forums in which to communicate your vision for the future of the Engineering School. Instead of making unilateral decisions, you need to explain your actions and goals to the University community.

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