Letter to the Editor
Dear Editor:
The recent portrayal of Dean Sansalone within the pages of Student Life is far from the Dean Sansalone I have come to know. As former President of EnCouncil, I had the pleasure of working with Dean Sansalone during her first year at Washington University. Through my interaction with the Dean, I gained an appreciation for her vision for the School of Engineering and the sometimes difficult decisions she makes.
The School is clearly in a state of change. Some of these changes are the result of outside forces such as changes needed to maintain accreditation. Other changes are for the long-term benefit of the School, and, in fact, the long-term benefit of society. The School of Engineering is undergoing a process to not only ensure the highest quality educational experience but also position the School to make a global impact. This is not an easy task. However, I believe Dean Sansalone is the right person to lead the School to the next level of excellence.
As members of the Washington University community, we tend to lose sight of the reasons behind change. We focus on the effects visible during our four years and discount the long-term benefits of changes. If the University acted solely for the short-term benefit during its first 150 years, it would not be the premier university it is today.
We must also pursue the truth. Despite increasing availability of information, many accusations leveled at the Dean continue to be incorrect and unfair. Students now receive a monthly electronic newsletter from the School. Dean Sansalone also regularly meets with student groups to hear their feedback. And since the spring, Dean Sansalone has held three forums open to the entire student body.
Finally, we must not forget the positive change that would not have happened without Dean Sansalone’s leadership. She has actively pursued additional scholarships for engineering students while creating a sound budget. New study abroad programs are open to engineering students, including all of the Arts & Sciences programs. And the School has added top faculty in key research areas.
I have enjoyed all of my time in the School. This is an exciting time of growth for engineering at Washington University. I just hope that my classmates will judge the facts themselves.
-Paul Moceri
EnCouncil President,
2006-2007
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