SPAR now called "Student Life"

In an e-mail sent to all campuses June 10, Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, W.G. Garland, announced that SPAR (Student Programs and Resources) will change its name in August to "Office of Student Life."

"Most colleges around the nation use the name "Student Life" to encompass the type of activities that SPAR sponsors," Garland said in his e-mail. "By changing to Student Life, we change to a name that incoming students and those transferring from DCCCD to four-year institutions will be familiar with.

"Thus, more students than before will know that Student Life is the office to come to for support and co-curricular activities. The change, he said, has been approved by the Chancellor's cabinet.

Even though the name is changing, Garland wants to reassure everyone that none of the functions or responsibilities of those associated with SPAR will change. The only change is the name.

Garland's e-mail stated that DCCCD colleges are already at work making sure the new name is reflected in future publications, calendars, brochures, college Web sites and elsewhere. District Marketing/Communications will ensure that references to SPAR on the district Web site are changed to Student Life, he said.

"By putting DCCCD on the same page as two- and four-year institutions around the nation, we believe the change will be of great benefit to our student body," said Garland.