Department of Student Life
The Department of Student Life seeks to promote the academic progress, well-being, and happiness of every student. It consists of faculty, students, and administrators responsible for the departments which support student life. The Department of Student Life also helps develop and implement all policies and procedures influencing student life.
The department also takes responsibility for services described in the Student Life section of the Student Handbook.
Meet Us
Ellen Akst Jones
Dean of the Department of Student Life
Dreier Building, Room 105 ·
Email: ejones@mum.edu
Phone: (641) 472-1204
Please call for an appointment.
The Dean of Student Life oversees all aspects of the student experience outside the classroom, advises the Global Student Council, and leads the Student Life team in promoting the health, well-being, and happiness of each student.
Jan Sickler
Associate Dean of Students
Dreier Building, Room 112 ·
Email: jsickler@mum.edu
Phone: (641) 470-1384 • Mobile: (641) 919-7327
Please drop by or make an appointment.
As Associate Dean of Students, Jan Sickler is concerned with the intellectual, emotional, and spiritual growth of all students. He serves as an advisor and advocate for students, providing personal and academic advice; and helps students experience success within the code of student conduct.
Lynwood King
Associate Dean of Students
Dreier Building, Room 113 ·
Email: lking@mum.edu
Phone: (641) 472-1327 • Mobile: (641) 919-9552
Stop by weekdays: 1:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Evenings and Weekends by appointment.
As Associate Dean of Students, Dr. King focuses on holistic student growth through Maharishi’s programs for the development of consciousness. He is available to check students’ practice of the TM program and advise on all areas of student life.
Ila Zeeb
Director, First-Year Experience
Dreier Building, Room 111 ·
Email: ilaz@mum.edu
Phone: (641) 472-7000 ext. 4808
Please drop by or make an appointment.
The Director of the First-Year Experience primarily focuses on the health, well-being, and happiness of new students, and supports the transition to college life. She is an advisor and advocate for all students. Her door is always open.
Mary Montgomery
Coordinator, Department of Student Life
Dreier Building, Room 105 ·
Email: mmontgo@mum.edu
Phone: (641) 472-7000 ext. 5008
Please stop by weekdays: 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. Evenings and Weekends by appointment.
The Department Coordinator oversees student communications, the campus calendar, child care for students with young children, and volunteer opportunities. She provides administrative support to the Department and Residential Life program.
Rachel Goodman
Director, Career Strategies
Dreier Building, Room 105 ·
Email: sswanson@mum.edu
Phone: (641) 472-1151
Please call for an appointment.
The Career Strategies Office provides students and graduates with resources, skills and strategies to successfully design and pursue their career goals. It also provides assistance in identifying internship opportunities.
Rianna Koppel
Director, Student Activities
Argiro Student Center, Room 120 ·
E-mail: stuactiv@mum.edu
Phone: (641) 472-1104
The Student Activities Director helps organize and publicize a wide variety of cultural events, movies, concerts, bus trips, parties, recreational activities, and celebrations, often in conjunction with the Global Student Council. Student Activities also very much welcomes any creative suggestions you might have.
Ye Shi (LinLin)
Assistant Director, Student Activities
Argiro Student Center, Room 120
E-mail: stuactiv@mum.edu
Phone: (641) 472-1104
The Student Activities Assistant Director helps create and organize social, cultural and recreational activities, and helps plan celebrations, parties, and other special events. She also manages the Student Activities budget. Please stop in and share your ideas.
Sheila Swanson
Director of Student Success Center and Residential Life
Dreier Building, Room 105 ·
Email: sswanson@mum.edu
Phone: (641) 472-1229
Please call for an appointment.
The Student Success Center was created to ensure students’ success in all areas of their daily life at MUM. The Student Success Center oversees the Residential Life program.
Jonathan Shapiro
Director, Student Support Services
Argiro Student Activities, Room 119
Email: jshapiro@mum.edu
Phone: (641) 472-1241
Please call for an appointment.
Student Support Services offers consultation on personal and academic issues, as well as information about resources on and off campus. Please feel free to come talk privately with us about any questions or concerns.
Toni Alazraki
Academic Skills Tutoring
Maharishi Veda Bhavan Building, Room 108
Email: talazrak@mum.edu
Phone: (641) 472-7000 ext. 4219
Please call for an appointment.
The Academic Skills Center provides assistance for students who need an extra boost in their study and language skills so they can take full advantage of the University’s unique educational experience.
Nancy Watkins
International Student Advisor
Henn Mansion, 1st Floor
E-mail: nwatkins@mum.edu
Phone: (641) 472-1222
Please call for an appointment.
International students are encouraged to contact the International Student Advisor for information about rights and responsibilities in connection with student visas. The advisor is happy to help you with Social Security numbers, bank accounts, student health insurance, and any other matters of concern to you as an international student.
James Bedinger
Director, Campus Safety and Security
Verrill Hall, Room 43
Campus Security phone: (641) 472 1115
Available by phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Office hours: Monday–Friday, 2:30–4:00 p.m.
Campus safety looks after the safety and welfare of our students, assists in emergency situations, and promotes the environmental health of our campus.
Deidre Lentz
Campus Nurse
Dreier Building, Room 236
Email: nurse@mum.edu
Phone: (641) 472-7000 ext. 3411
Clinic Hours: Weekdays, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The Campus Nurse is available to students free of charge. She offers first aid, attention to minor medical concerns, and assistance in obtaining medical care.
The content of this page was reviewed in August 2010.
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