Rosie Guzman
Special to Mustang News
Cal Poly Dean of Students Jean DeCosta has announced her plan to retire this upcoming fall.
She has been a part of Cal Poly for more than 20 years with close to 12 years as Dean of Students.
Cal Poly spokesman Jay Thompson confirmed in a written statement that a “nationwide search is currently underway” for her replacement.
DeCosta joined the Cal Poly community in 1994 as the coordinator of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). In 2000, she was named director of campus relations. Her programs included the employment equity, EAP and the Ombuds program.
Three years later, DeCosta was promoted to Dean of Students for Student Affairs. As dean she manages programs with the Center for Leadership and Service, Cross Cultural Centers, Center for Community Engagement and Safer, to name a few.
As Dean of Students, she works with students to resolve concerns of the university so they can graduate and be successful after graduation. Together with the students, parents, faculty and staff, they all work together to help Cal Poly students further their academic success.
She also works with campus committees that help the students of Cal Poly such as “substance use and abuse, women’s safety, campus fees, retroactive withdrawal, care and behavioral intervention.”
Cal Poly has been prepared for academic success of its students because of DeCosta’s presence, but there is also an opportunity for more success as Cal Poly looks for a new Dean of Students.