New vice chancellor connects with campus

After nearly three months as the new vice chancellor of student
affairs, Janina Montero is continuing to formulate ideas for
improving student life at UCLA as she familiarizes herself with her
new surroundings.

Montero has outlined rough sketches of her goals for UCLA,
though she has not yet created specific plans for achieving these
goals.

“I’ve been spending a lot of time trying to talk to
people here ““ having them describe the university and its
issues,” Montero said.

Montero, who held similar positions at Brown and Princeton
universities, said she is focusing on several key issues, including
budget cuts and student support.

She added that her office has been working to compile
information on student fee hikes.

“We’re working “¦ to find where pressure points
are for students,” she said, but would not comment further on
the situation.

Montero also emphasized the importance of creating connections
between students and faculty members, herself included.

“We’re looking to renew a sense of responsiveness to
our main constituency,” Montero said.

Members of the Undergraduate Students Association Council
““ UCLA’s undergraduate student government ““ agree
that Montero has made an effort to connect with them.

During the summer, Montero attended a few USAC meetings, and
General Representative Josh Lawson said she came to the meetings,
introduced herself, and stayed, rather than making an appearance
just for show.

“I’m glad she’s taking an interest in what our
issues are,” he said.

Lawson said he has had limited contact with Montero, but
believes she will be willing to work with students, especially USAC
and other student leaders.

Internal Vice President Allende Palma/Saracho said Montero has
already scheduled to meet with USAC regularly this year.

“She’s very receptive to being involved with the
decisions of students,” Palma/Saracho said, adding that
Montero seems “very much well-informed.”

Montero said she also attended an Office of Residential Life
staff training session during which she spoke to the staff and
extended an invitation to meet with her throughout the
year. 

In an April interview, Montero said she hoped to develop
long-term relationships with students on campus, despite the large
size of the university.

As part of that effort, Montero said she hopes to continue
meeting with campus leaders as part of an effort to reach out to
students.

Despite UCLA’s large student population compared to her
last employer, Brown ““ a difference of more than 30,000
students ““ Montero is optimistic she will find ways to
connect with many students.

“You look for opportunities where you can connect with as
many people as possible,” Montero said.

She added that USAC and other leadership groups are “very
valuable” for making such connections.

Montero explained that she has spent much of her time at UCLA
absorbing information, and is currently “putting (issues) on
the table” so that students and faculty can help her come up
with strategies for approaching these issues.

Though Montero has many challenges to face as she eases into her
new position at UCLA, she maintains that she enjoys being on
campus.

“It’s a pleasure to see what public education can be
““ the quality of education at UCLA is spectacular,”
Montero said.