Rifkin tapped to serve as interim dean of SBS

by Barbara Pitoniak, News Office staff

Janet Rifkin

anet M. Rifkin, chair of the Department of Legal Studies, has been named interim dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences (CSBS), effective Sept. 1. The appointment is open-ended, according to Charlena Seymour, senior vice chancellor for Academic Affairs and provost.

     Rifkin will replace Glen Gordon, who is retiring.
Seymour said, "I am delighted that professor Rifkin has agreed to serve as interim dean. As co-chair of the Steering Committee for Academic Planning, she has been intimately involved in the planning process for academic affairs during the past year. Her outstanding leadership and administrative experience will help the college continue its national, and international, reputation for excellence."

     Rifkin joined the faculty as an assistant professor of Legal Studies in 1974. From 1982-84 and 1991-95, she served as University ombudsperson. She was associate dean of SBS from 1995-97, when she returned to her department as chair, a post she presently holds.

     In 1997, Rifkin and Legal Studies professor Ethan Katsh co-founded the Center for Information Technology and Dispute Resolution, which grew out of the year-long pilot project, the Online Ombuds Office.

     "Serving as interim dean is a daunting but exciting challenge," Rifkin said. "I hope to effectively position the college to take advantage of the opportunities that will arise during this transition period. I will work for the college to continue to be a place where students want to study and invest their time, and to support our excellent faculty in their teaching, research, and outreach activities."

     Rifkin received her bachelor's degree from Sarah Lawrence College in 1969, and her JD from New York University School of Law in 1972.