Several of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s departments will be transferred from the Division of Student Affairs and officially become part of the Division of Academic Affairs, university officials said.

Starting in January of 2007, some key departments, including the Department of Enrollment, the Department of Financial Aid and the Department of Recruiting and Outreach, will fall under Academic Affairs.

The university’s TRIO and Pre-College Programs Department will also fall under Academic Affairs after the reorganization.

The move has been a long time coming at UWM. Discussion on a reorganization of Student Affairs began last spring, according to Interim Vice Chancellor Jim Hill.

UWM is currently in the process of interviewing candidates for the position of Vice Chacellor for the Division of Student Affairs. Hill said that the announcement was made in part as a way to clarify the responsibilities of the vice chancellor to prospective candidates.

“I think the announcement was made when it was made so that people will have a better idea of what to expect from the position,” Hill said.

A previous reorganization created the Division of Student Affairs in 2003.

University officials are optimistic about the change and what it means for both students and staff at UWM.

“We look forward to continuing a full-fledged partnership between Student and Academic Affairs to enhance student life and academic success,” Provost Rita Cheng said in a press release.

After the change becomes official, the Division of Student Affairs will focus on retaining UWM students and helping students adjust to life on campus. Student Affairs will also continue to operate the Career Development Center, the Union and the Children’s Center, as well as the Black & Gold Committee.

Hill said that the Division of Student Affairs is now free to focus more on “helping students once they get here” now that recruiting and enrollment are part of Academic Affairs.

“We’re working to create a new vision for students and we think (the realignment) will allow Student Affairs to broaden the experience of everyone here at UWM,” Hill said.

“It allows us to be more strategic.”

Part of that vision could include a pilot program that would allow for some classes to be held at the North Avenue freshman dorms set to open next year.

Hill added that UWM could realign university divisions again in the future or even create new divisions or departments.

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