Michael leaves campus

One ordinary mid-October day, Assistant Vice President of Campus Services Tim Michael came to work — but it would be his last day at Carnegie Mellon after five years.

Tim Michael, former director of Housing and Dining Services and dean of Student Affairs, is no longer with Carnegie Mellon University.

Michael refused to comment when asked about the circumstances of his leave.

Michael’s secretary, Susan Aloe, was also unavailable for comment.

According to James Mercolini, assistant general counsel, Carnegie Mellon policy is that when an employee leaves the university, the circumstances are to remain private.

Kim Abel, the current director of Housing and Dining Services, directed questions regarding Tim Michael to Michael Murphy, associate vice president of enrollment.

Murphy in turn directed questions to William Elliott, vice president for enrollment. Elliott would not comment on why Michael is no longer with the university, or whether the university or Michael terminated the relationship.

University Police would not comment on Michael, either.

In July 2006, Michael, then director of Housing and Dining Services, was promoted to director of a new campus division, Campus Services, part of Enrollment, headed by Elliott. Michael was in charge of Housing and Dining Services; Conference & Event, Printing, Parking, and Postal Services; retail operations, including the bookstore, art store, computer store, and Entropy; receiving and shipping; and Photography & Graphic Services.

Michael was involved with many initiatives during his time at Carnegie Mellon, including the introduction of the Zipcar service and the expanded Entropy+. In 2005, Michael was involved in the creation of the Kosher Corner eatery on campus, which catered to Jewish students. In 2002, when he was dean of Student Affairs, Michael was involved with the construction of the environmentally friendly first-year dorm, New House.

Chris Fitz, resident district manager for Parkhurst Dining Services, which runs several eateries on campus such as Schatz Dining Room, stated via e-mail that the improvements in dining options on campus will continue without Michael.

“While structure changes in personnel in Parkhurst and Carnegie Mellon are inevitable, the focus for all remains the same,” he stated. “The main goal to our students is to provide the highest quality, freshest local produce, and ensuring great customer service.”

Fitz also stated that despite the departure of Michael, the rapport between Carnegie Mellon and Parkhurst “remains unchanged and is very strong.”

In Michael’s absence, Murphy will serve as interim director of Campus Services.