Dean of the College James Larimore and Dean of Residential Life Martin Redman sat behind their new desks at the College for the first time as their administrative terms began yesterday.
Larimore said he had been looking forward to yesterday since he received the appointment last year. "It met all my high expectations," he said.
He said one of the things waiting on his desk was a seemingly endless stack of paperwork. "I can't even estimate how many inches of reports [there were]," Larimore said.
In addition to paperwork and meetings, Larimore said one of his goals for the next couple of weeks is simply "learning about Dartmouth."
The immediate future holds for him more learning experiences he said after having spoken with managers of other departments who contribute to student experience of the College.
Although Larimore's agenda today includes learning about the budget, he said he hopes that he will also have the opportunity to meet with College students - an activity that he hopes will be ongoing.
"I hope to take as much time as possible out of the office talking to students," Larimore said. "I'm new here. I tend to be a friendly guy, I hope I don't startle anyone but I feel like this place is welcoming."
Although Larimore will spend the first few weeks getting a sense of the current social atmosphere, Acting Dean of the College Dan Nelson left him with a full schedule.
One week from today, Larimore will join the other members of the Trustee Steering Committee to discuss Nelson's Task Force report and meet with members of the College community to talk about the Initiative.
The door lock proposal is another hold-over from Nelson's acting position. Larimore said he will defer action on that plan at this point because he needs to understand the security issues involved better in order to make an informed decision.
Redman faced a similar slate of meetings yesterday with other Residential Life staff members - it was "certainly busy," Redman joked.
One thing not awaiting Redman on his first day at the office were the household items he shipped from Missouri."[Yesterday] was look what I can do in a jacket and tie day ... and [today] I'll have to look like a bum," Redman said, making light of his lack of a full wardrobe.
Redman said he also had to take care of chores such as opening a bank account and obtaining a parking permit from Safety and Security.
In response to what is coming up on his future agenda, Redman said, "Anything related to the Initiative."
Redman also said some of the major issues that he will soon contend include Greek affairs, creating more beds on campus and other facility issues including dormitory renovations.
"Its all about the Initiative," he said. "At least one of the Principles is very clearly about creating better living space and continuity."
Redman spent his first night on campus as the new East Wheelock Cluster Associate, taking over from Creative Writing Professor Cleopatra Mathis.
Redman said he has lived on campus and near fraternities in the past and enjoys living amongst students. Although it is uncommon for a dean to live on campus, Redman said it will be a chance to get to know students "and learn what Dartmouth is about."
