Goldsmith settles in

New Dean of Students Harold “Pete” Goldsmith began his journey in student affairs at IU as a resident assistant in Teter Quad.

Years later, he chose to get reacquainted with IU by spending a month living in the residence halls again. Goldsmith lived in Foster Quad for his first month on the job in August to see what living on campus is like from a student’s perspective.

“I’ve spent a lot of years in residence halls, and I know they’re a good place to start,” Goldsmith said.

Goldsmith said his goal for his first year with the University is to understand how the University and the student affairs division works.

His first months on campus have been filled with student meetings with IU Student Association, the greek organizations, University Faculty Council groups and other student organizations and open events.

IUSA President Peter SerVaas said when IUSA representatives met with Dean Goldsmith for the first time, they really wanted to listen to his ideas, but instead he pushed for them to provide him with as much information as they could about what they do.

“I think he’s done a great job at his most important job at this point, which is learning everything he can about IU,” SerVaas said.

He said Goldsmith is working with the Union Board and other groups to explore moving the Dean of Students office from Franklin Hall to a more accessible location in the Indiana Memorial Union.

“Moving the office from an administrative building, which is intimidating to some students, to heart of the campus is a great sign to me,” SerVaas said.

Sharon Policello, director of development for student affairs, echoed SerVaas’ praise for Goldsmith’s readiness to learn. She said he makes an effort to visit people in their offices to get a feel for campus, and that he is very inquisitive and thoughtful.

“I have a lot of respect for him for jumping in and seeing how everything works,” Policello said.

Goldsmith returns to his alma mater with years of experience and a passion for helping students succeed. He spent his first few months on the job reconnecting with the University and seeing how everything works.

He has even re-embraced his IU spirit by repainting his restored VW3 Bug Indiana red.

“I’ve enjoyed every place I’ve been, but I have lots of affection after being both a graduate and an undergraduate here,” Goldsmith said.

Goldsmith completed his undergraduate studies in government at IU. He attended American University in Washington, intending to study international relations, but his job as a graduate supervisor in one of the University’s residence halls led him toward student affairs.

After graduating from American University’s student personnel graduate program, Goldsmith returned to IU to earn his doctorate degree in student affairs.

Goldsmith served in administrative positions in universities all around the country before returning to his alma mater, including Saint Mary’s College, Western Illinois University, Old Dominion University, Michigan State University, Indiana University of Pennsylvania and most recently, Kent State University.

Goldsmith said students are welcome to send him e-mails if they have questions or concerns. He said there are many services available on campus to support students, and he hopes students will reach out to them.

He added he has an enormous amount of respect for former Dean of Students Dick McKaig, who served the University for 38 years. Goldsmith said he hopes the community realizes that though he and McKaig might have different ways of doing things, they both care about the students of IU.

SerVaas said that Goldsmith has a lot to learn to earn Dean McKaig’s previous standing, but that Goldsmith seems to be doing a great job so far.

“From what I’ve seen up to this point,” SerVaas said, “he seems like a great fit for IU.”