In Student Affairs, the role of Academic Affairs and Economic Development is to provide oversight, coordination and collaboration among our campuses. The goal of student affairs is to:
- Maintain and improve affordability and access for Massachusetts’ students
- Promote diversity as a high priority throughout the University
- Provide positive and civil climates on each campus
- Ensure a quality student experience both in and out of the classroom
At UMass, our students play an active role in university governance. On each campus, the student body elects the student member of the University’s Board of Trustees and the officers of its Student Government to represent the student voice to campus administration.
The student affairs leadership on each campus is entrusted with providing students with a safe, inclusive learning environment and delivers the essential services that ensure student success. Vice chancellors and deans of student affairs enforce the Student Codes of Conduct and oversee the campus and student policies that ensure academic discipline and public safety.
The vice chancellors for student affairs of each campus meet multiple times a year with Academic Affairs and Economic Development to hold working meetings as the Student Affairs Advisory Council (SAAC). The group meets to discuss areas of concern unique and common to all campuses.
Leadership and Governance
University of Massachusetts System Office Leadership
Katherine Newman, Ph.D.
System Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Robert Gamache, Ph.D.
Senior Advisor for Academic Affairs
Candyce Carragher
Senior Executive Associate
Student Affairs Advisory Council (SAAC)
UMass System Office
Ex Officio: Gerry Leone
General Counsel
UMass Amherst
Brandi Hephner LaBanc, Ed.D.
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Campus Life
UMass Boston
Gail DiSabatino, Ed.D.
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
John Silveria
Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs/Dean of Students
UMass Dartmouth
Shannon M. Finning, Ph.D.
Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Cathy Cocks
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Dean of Students
UMass Lowell
Laurence Siegel, M.A.
Associate Vice Chancellor for the Division of Student Affairs & University Events
James Kohl, Ph.D.
Dean of Student Affairs and Enrichment
Brenda Evans
Dean of Student Affairs & Event Services
UMass Medical School
Sonia Chimienti, M.D.
Vice Provost for Student Life and Enrollment, UMMS and Associate Dean for Student Affairs, School of Medicine
Mark Miceli, Ed.D.
Assistant Vice Provost for Student Life and Director for Student Affairs, School of Medicine