When Rashid Zia ‘01 graduated from the University with degrees in both English and engineering, he could not have known that he would one day become Dean of the College.

The University has launched a search for the next dean of the college following the announcement of current Dean of the College Maud Mandel’s departure to serve as the president of Williams College, The Herald previously reported.

Dean of the College Maud Mandel will step down as dean and serve as the 18th president of Williams College starting July 1, according to a March 13 University press release.

Julie Plaut will assume the inaugural role of Assistant Dean of the College and Director of Faculty Engagement and Research this April.

A study revealed that only a small number of students dropped courses ­— most of which were dropped without negative impact on a student’s academic path.

Although measures have been taken to reduce academic code violations, the numbers remain high.

Dean of the College Maud Mandel, with Senior Associate Dean for Curriculum Besenia Rodriguez ’00 and five members of the College Curriculum Council

With the fall semester a mere two months away, four individuals will begin their positions as University administrators July 1.

The University has assembled a search committee charged with hiring a dean of students for the next academic year.

The dean of the College search committee completed its first phase of interviews with nine applicants out of a pool of 53.