GALLOWAY, N.J. — Over the summer, Stockton University has undergone some notable changes. Just a few weeks ago, Stockton hosted the grand reopening of the $24 million renovated library. Renovations to Big Blue have begun this semester, with the most notable change being the repainting of its exterior in Stockton’s signature light blue. Finally, some familiar faces are no longer at Stockton.

Within the Student Affairs department, students have noted that a few staff members who were an integral part of their community are no longer around. Students who relied on essential resources within the various retention programs returned to campus to find that their mentors’ positions had been eliminated.

The newly appointed Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Martha “Marty” Wygmans, shared some insight on behalf of the Student Affairs department and emphasized that the department is still focused on providing support to students; it is just the department’s structure that has changed.

“Stockton is in a time of change, not just in Student Affairs but broadly across campus. We are interested in making sure that we continue to be sustainable for the future and also that we’re meeting the needs of students going forward. We are reorganizing some functions to make sure that we can meet all of those goals,” Wygmans said.

She was clear that although the department may be a work in progress, the commitment to students is unwavering.

Candace Mitchell, director of Student Transition Programs, said that some changes within Student Transition Programs are underway; however, the department’s mission remains the same.

“Student Transition Programs will be updating its name to Student Transitions and Success, which acknowledges our continued commitment to our Orientation, Transition, and Retention work,” Mitchell said, “We continue to lead positive, intentional, engaging initiatives like New Student Orientation, Welcome programs, and T.A.L.O.N.S., and we serve as a bridge for students, providing success coaching and building connections across the University.”

Some students, particularly those who valued the work of staff members who are no longer at Stockton, were devastated to hear about the changes. They continue to be wary about the effectiveness of the new structure of Student Transition Programs.

“What is considered ‘nonessential’ to the university administration affects the student body significantly more than what this institution accounts for when making these cutbacks,” expressed Paige Kohlhase, a senior marine biology major and president of the First Ospreys club.

Will Stockton be able to follow through on its promise of continued commitment to students? Some students have expressed concerns.