daily californian logo

BERKELEY'S NEWS • JUNE 03, 2023

Apply to The Daily Californian!

Bob Jacobsen to serve as interim dean of undergraduate studies in College of Letters and Science

article image

SUPPORT OUR NONPROFIT NEWSROOM

We're an independent student-run newspaper, and need your support to maintain our coverage.

MAY 10, 2014

UC Berkeley physics professor Bob Jacobsen will serve a one-year term as the interim dean of undergraduate studies in the College of Letters and Science starting July 1.

Jacobsen is one of the associate deans of L&S Advising, a staff of advisers tasked with helping undergraduate students make choices regarding their academic career. Prior to this, Jacobsen held various roles at UC Berkeley including chair of the Berkeley Division of the Academic Senate from 2011-12.

His predecessor and campus history professor Tyler Stovall, who has worked closely with Jacobsen during his tenure, said Jacobsen’s experiences make him the “perfect candidate” for the position.

“There is no professor on this campus that knows more about undergraduate advising than (Jacobsen),” Stovall said.

Jacobsen’s new position will be changed from dean of undergraduate division in L&S to dean of undergraduate studies in L&S to align with Chancellor Nicholas Dirks’ initiative to put more emphasis on undergraduate education. But it is still unclear as to exactly how this shift will play out, Stovall said.

In his new role, Jacobsen will continue the work of Stovall, who held the position for the past six years. Stovall organized the first systematic review process of major programs of the undergraduate and interdisciplinary studies and international area studies. This review process is done in conjunction with the L&S Executive Committee.

Additionally, Stovall oversaw the expansion of the Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarships as well as the Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program, which grew from 900 to 1,300 participants, Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Claude Steele said in a campuswide announcement.

Stovall said he felt it was time to step down from this position and will now focus on his writing and research.

Jacobsen hopes to focus on freshmen and sophomore within L&S, particularly those who are undeclared. Incoming freshman admits for next fall are now able to be undeclared within a field — a new feature that aims to better assign students to an adviser once they get on campus, according to Jacobsen.

“This isn’t enough information to fully start a conversation about their academic careers,” Jacobsen said. “But even a hint is progress.”

Additionally, Jacobsen will continue his work with Cal Student Orientation in hopes of incorporating more extensive academic advising during the orientation. Incoming freshmen are often confused about which classes to enroll in, and advising earlier on will help alleviate the stress, he said.

“Most Berkeley students try to do the most possible; some even want to change the world,” Jacobsen said. “We should get them help, so they can do what they want to do.”

Adrianna Dinolfo covers academics and administration. Contact her at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter @Adriannadinolfo.
LAST UPDATED

MAY 10, 2014


Related Articles

featured article
UC Berkeley professors discussed the undergraduate experience and improving student advising at the Berkeley Division of the Academic Senate meeting Thursday.
UC Berkeley professors discussed the undergraduate experience and improving student advising at the Berkeley Division of the Academic Senate meeting Thursday.
featured article
featured article
Carla Hesse, history professor and Dean of the Letters and Science Division of Social Sciences, was appointed as the Executive Dean of the college, Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Claude Steele announced Tuesday.
Carla Hesse, history professor and Dean of the Letters and Science Division of Social Sciences, was appointed as the Executive Dean of the college, Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Claude Steele announced Tuesday.
featured article
Albert Pisano, a distinguished professor of mechanical engineering for 30 years at the Berkeley campus, will become dean of the UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering September 1.
Albert Pisano, a distinguished professor of mechanical engineering for 30 years at the Berkeley campus, will become dean of the UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering September 1.