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NEWS
| february 05, 2004
Architechture
Council looks forward to new dean’s
agenda
Students say the school is getting
on track with changes in management and hopes
for accreditation under Gatzke’s leadership.
By Christian
Ragunton
The Shorthorn Staff
With a newly appointed dean and hopes for
accreditation, architecture students say the School of Architecture
is slowly getting back on track.
The Joint Constituency Council of Architecture held its first meeting
yesterday afternoon where students discussed matters ranging from
the newly appointed Architecture Dean Donald Gatzke to computer
software upgrades. It was the council’s first meeting with
Dr. Gatzke, who was appointed dean in June and started in the position
this semester.
Although most of the discussions were centered on future events
and development plans, students also talked about the accreditation
status and Gatzke, who will answer questions during the Dean Forum
at 1 p.m. Friday in room 204 of the Architecture Building.
Architecture senior James Perry, president of the constituency council,
said despite underlying tensions about former dean Martha LaGess’
discrimination lawsuit, the school has drastically changed. Blue
print projects including job fairs and the lecture series have escalated
to popular events, he said. Now that Gatzke has taken office, he
noted the school can focus on the major changes that need to be
implemented such as updating computer software and building expansion.
“Things are different now. We’re gradually changing,
which is really exciting,” he said.
Students don’t have the power to influence administrative
decisions and must cope with changes, Perry said. He said he was
upset and confused after discovering Dr. LaGess had been dismissed
but finds Gatzke to be an acceptable successor to the dean position.
“He’s pretty strong in that he has experience and leadership
skills,” Perry said. “He’ll be able to fill in
a leadership role that hasn’t been that stable. I think he’ll
do a really good job.”
Aside from the appointment of dean, another major occurrence will
be the school’s chance at accreditation in March when the
National Architectural Accrediting Board will conduct their on-site
evaluation.
The school risks losing its provisional accreditation if it’s
unable to show sufficient improvement in areas including leadership,
curriculum and technology.
Architecture senior Jane Teplitskaya, vice president of the constituency
council, said she isn’t worried about accreditation and believes
Gatzke will lead the school in the right direction.
“We’re confident that we’ll get the accreditation
this time,” she said. “He’s been through the process
before, so he’s experienced. His confidence makes us confident.”
Architecture graduate student Michael Terranova, who was constituency
council president during the activation of the LaGess lawsuit, said
the acquisition of a stable dean is a step forward for the school
but that it’s still to early to be celebrating.
“I think it’s too soon because the dean is new. We don’t
know his plans yet, but I see no signs of trouble,” he said.
“The point is we can go forward now with a long-standing dean
as oppose to an interim dean.”
correction
This article should not have referred to Architecture
Dean Donald Gatzke as a doctor.
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