The Student Involvement and Leadership Development Office rearranged its area not out of boredom, but to better serve students.

In addition to reorganizing the furniture, the office also has new positions.

“We wanted to create a more welcoming environment,” said Michelle Bringas, interim director of Student Involvement and Leadership Development.

When students entered the office last semester, they were greeted with a front desk, cubicles and file cabinets. Now students will find a spacious lounge area and computer kiosks for student use.

New positions have been created and will take effect July 1. The former titles of advisers and program coordinators will change to assistant directorships.

Michael Coakley, assistant vice president for student life, said the changes were based on last year’s external review and staff discussions.

Coakley said he feels the new structure better reflects the office’s current and future responsibilities.

“Many areas will have a new focus,” Bringas said.

One of those areas is the new leadership/volunteerism department.

Darnell Bradley, who will be assistant director for leadership/volunteerism, said the staff is developing a leadership group, comprised of staff and students. Their goal is a curriculum plan of NIU happenings. The staff will benchmark other institution’s leadership development curriculums.

Bertrand Simpson, associate director for Student Involvement and Leadership Development, will assume responsibilities for the Campus Activities Board.

Matt Holder, CAB president, said he is excited about the new changes.

“I encouraged the changes,” Holder said. “We needed new computers and new phones.”

He said the changes have “really freed CAB up” and made it more student-friendly.

“Every year the old execs plan for the new execs,” Holder said. “The money was already contracted out.”

Under the new constitution, CAB can plan events in a shorter time frame. Holder said CAB will continue to plan a year in advance, but the money will be more accessible.

“Now their hands aren’t tied,” Holder said.

Placing the faculty adviser in the same office as the students encourages a better relationship between the two, Holder said.

The Greek Affairs department will increase its staff.

Chris Juhl, currently activities adviser for Greek Affairs, will assume the position of assistant director for Greek Affairs.

Instead of one program coordinator working with him, three graduate assistants will be hired, one to advise each of the three governing councils.

Lesley Clements will be the new assistant director for Student Organizational Services. The department will continue to provide workshops, information and support for all student organizations.

Student Involvement and Leadership Development will host an open house and provide mini tours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 15 in the Campus Life Building, room 150.

Hot dogs and potato chips will be served from 11:30 a.m to 1:30 p.m.