A restructuring of William & Mary’s student government implemented over the summer will help students quickly access services geared toward success inside and outside the classroom.

Ginger Ambler ’88, Ph.D. ’06, senior vice president for student affairs and public safety, announced the changes earlier this summer.

Instead of launching a national search for a successor after the dean of students left, Ambler and her leadership team in Student Affairs reviewed the areas previously under the dean’s office, seeing this as an opportunity to improve access to important services and eliminate a layer of administration.

“The new structure brings me closer to the current Student Success team, improves students’ pathways to the front-line staff who can work with them, and distributes the workload more equitably across the department,” she said. “Most importantly, this plan prioritizes student needs.”

The areas that reported to the Dean of Students are now independent units under Ambler’s leadership, organized by topic and featuring updated web content to help students quickly find what they are looking for:

• The Student Success program, led by Vice President Wilmarie Rodriguez, includes academic wellness (including free tutoring), student accessibility services, and supportive care services.

  “This new model for student success will simplify student access to the high-quality, compassionate services available in these areas,” Rodriguez said. “The goal is to focus on both the academic and personal growth of each student we serve. Our goal is to provide students with simplified pathways to the departments, professionals and services they need and to ensure the process is seamless for students.”

• Community Values ​​& Connection includes Student Accountability & Restorative Practices (formerly CVRP), Conflict Resolution & Peer Mediation, Gender-Based Violence Resources and Advocacy Services, and Family Engagement (formerly Parent & Family Programs). Greg Henderson, assistant vice president and chief of staff, leads this area.

  “I am excited about the way Community Values ​​& Connection brings together key offices that reinforce the fundamental values ​​and relationships that build a strong campus community,” Henderson said. “Our goal is to create a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for all. I am thrilled to lead this team dedicated to supporting our students and families.”

• Planning, strategy, and inclusive practices include the Center for Student Diversity and the Office of First-Generation Student Engagement. Anna Mroch, assistant vice president and director of assessment, leads this new and expanded area.

  “With this structure, Student Affairs, and specifically Planning, Strategy & Integrative Practices (PSI), can improve the way we build relationships across campus, carefully design programs, and use data to inform our work,” said Mroch. “The PSI topic area is also focused on advancing both Student Affairs’ strategic plan and W&M’s goals for inclusive excellence. I look forward to exploring these opportunities and the ways the PSI topic area can help create a climate on campus that is inclusive and welcoming to all students.”

The reorientation also enabled increased investment in an additional position for Academic Wellbeing, the team within Student Success that manages free tutoring, academic coaching and student workshops on topics ranging from time management to study techniques.

The reorganization complements the other subject areas that are already located in the Student Affairs department. These include Campus Living, Health & Wellness and Student Engagement & Leadership.

“The needs of our current students, as well as the Student Success team and their considerable experience and expertise, were at the forefront,” said Ambler. “We are excited to see how this new model will improve the student experience across the board.”

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