Iliana Melendez is UHCL’s new associate dean of students. Melendez started the position July 17 and reports to David Rachita, Dean of Students (DOS).
Melendez will assist Rachita in the interpretation and carrying out of the student code of conduct. UHCL is growing in size with the addition of dorms and Melendez will be assisting the new students. With the creation of the department of Student Housing and Residential Life, UHCL will have approximately 300 students living on campus in addition to the 200 residents living at University Forest Apartments.
“Iliana will be assisting in developing, promoting and upholding community behavioral standards,” Rachita said. “In addition, having a second person on the DOS team will allow us to create new proactive resources and programs that will assist in the development of this campus-wide culture of integrity and character.”
Rachita believes that Melendez is a great addition to not only the DOS team, but also for the UHCL community.
“Iliana brings many assets to UHCL with significant experiences in student conduct, student care, residential life and working with diverse populations,” Rachita said.
Melendez looks forward to being a part of the UHCL community as it continues to grow.
“I am excited about the opportunity to get to establish the position, as it is new to the university,” Melendez said. “I am also very excited about what this will mean in terms of expanding the support our students get from our office.”
Melendez understands the struggles students go through because she is currently a student herself.
“I am currently working on my doctoral degree at Texas State University and hope to be finished within the next couple of years,” Melendez said. “I share that so that our students know that I too understand what it is to balance life, work and school at the same time. I believe in an open-door policy and hope that if any student needs some assistance with a balance or someone to talk to about their experience I am here to help.”
Melendez hopes all students, including freshmen and transfer students will take advantage of her open-door policy when they are having trouble adjusting to the college lifestyle.
“This transition can be tough, but not impossible,” Melendez said. “There are so many resources available to our students and our office works to connect students to said resources so that they can be successful in their time with us.”
Melendez’s plans for the future of UHCL includes assisting student, faculty and staff during each change that occurs during a time of growth.
“There are many changes to come in the next year, and I am very excited to be part of the team that will assist with ensuring that we maintain our community expectations while we grow,” Melendez said. “I have yet to experience a full semester of students on campus, so I am excited for the coming fall. For now, I am observing, asking questions and through that learning the priorities of our students and institution. This will help set the foundation for how we move forward.”
Joining the UHCL community during a time of growth and development is exciting for Melendez.
“Some people think of growth as challenging, but I don’t,” Melendez said. “There are so many opportunities to be creative and innovative when presented with the opportunity of expansion. It really is an exciting time for our campus.”