President Christensen, 

We, the alumni of Arcadia University, are profoundly concerned and distressed about the decision to eliminate the position of Josh Stern, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, this coming December. As an incredible advocate for students over the course of twelve years, we are unable to understand the reason to remove such an integral member of the Arcadia community without cause. 

Furthermore, the circumstances surrounding this change, and that of the extensive restructuring of the University administration, are indicative of a severe lack of transparency and communication on the part of those individuals making these decisions. This is in clear conflict with Theme 2, Objective 1 of the University’s Strategic Plan, which aims to “ensure the University leadership values and effectively practices appropriate transparency and multidirectional communication regarding strategic direction and decision-making…”. We believe it is an egregious mistake to disregard the insight of students, and those who work with students on a daily basis, in changes supposedly designed for the pursuit of the “enhancement of student success and the cultivation of Arcadians for life.” 

While we are willing to accept change, when appropriate, to further advance the University, we believe the elimination of an extremely dedicated student advocate and misguided administrative restructuring will be significantly detrimental to the Arcadia University community.

Therefore, we ask for reconsideration of the decision to terminate Josh Stern’s position as Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students and reassessment of the proposed changes to the structure of the University.