Memo:Appointment of AVP for Student Academic Success Services (PDF)

It is with pleasure that I announce the appointment of Dr. Maureen Scharberg as Associate Vice President for Student Academic Success Services. She will assume her duties effective January 25, 2011.

Dr. Scharberg joined SJSU in 1991 as a tenure-track faculty member in Chemistry, specializing in chemical education, with emphasis onhow non-science majors learn chemistry. She has received numerous awards for her excellence in teaching chemistry as well as mentoring women in science. For many years, she served as BA Chemistry faculty advisor. She participated on the writing team for the American Chemical Society’s Chemistry textbook project. Her main contribution to this project was the “Faculty Resource On-Line Guide” (FROG), an instructor “script” for teaching inquiry-based, activity-based general chemistry curricula.

Dr. Scharberg served as Director of the Science Education program from 2003-2008 before her appointment as Associate Dean of the College of Science. As Director of Science Education, she was responsible for the continuum in preparing future science teachers as well as providing professional development opportunities for in-service science teachers. As Associate Dean, Dr. Scharberg focused on STEM student success, retention, advising and curricular design as well as course and program assessment plans and strategies. She created and continues to oversee the College of Science Advising Center (COSAC), as part of a project funded by the National Science Foundation. She continues to be involved with the College of Science’s first-year experience programs for frosh and transfer students.

In 2010, Dr. Scharberg was appointment Interim Senior Director of the Office of Student Academic Success Services (SASS). She coordinated all aspects of supporting and promoting student success.at SJSU and managed the AARS, Student Athlete Success Services, LARC, and the Writing Center; additional programs under her direction include academic success services targeted to support and retain underrepresented minority students including EOP, TRIO’s ASPIRE and McNair Program and Connect, Motivate, Education (as of January 2011). She was also appointed to lead SJSU’s efforts for improving undergraduate retention and graduation rates. Dr. Scharberg provided guidance to colleges and departments on academic advising and student success strategies, including consulting for upcoming college advising centers.

As Associate Vice President for Student Academic Success Services, Dr. Scharberg will continue in these efforts. We are delighted that she has accepted this important appointment. Please join me in extending a warm welcome.

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