Bruce Poch, Pomona’s Vice President and Dean of Admissions, is on sabbatical this semester. It will be his first leave of absence in 23 years of service to the college.

At this time last fall, Poch was traveling to high schools located across the U.S. and internationally, which has been one of his major responsibilities for years. While he was on Pomona’s campus, Poch said, he kept busy developing plans for upcoming admissions cycles, making adjustments to the school website and portal, and working through various other avenues to “get the word out” about Pomona College.

At the same time, he would maintain communications with schools, programs, and counselors, as well as keep in touch with the “education press.”

The sabbatical marks a change of pace for the administrator. According to Poch, he is “using the time as sabbaticals are intended—to reflect, to write, to work with a few organizations, and read (maybe too much) on politics.”

“I commonly participate in several national conferences related to admissions/aid/transition to college, which I will continue to do while on sabbatical,” he added.

The Dean said he may also find time to participate in a unique rally in Washington, D.C.

“If I can time it right, since I will already be in the area for another commitment, I may also get some fun in getting to the Mall in D.C. for the Jon Stewart Million Moderate March,” said Poch.

In the more immediate future, Poch plans to attend David Alexander’s memorial service on Saturday.

Having been originally hired by Alexander, Poch saw him as “a great friend and mentor over the years.” Poch remembers, “He was a remarkable president, closely connected with students as well as faculty and staff colleagues. Pomona owes him a very great deal for setting so much in motion which defines the College today in terms of our national role and presence, our diversity and our academic balance and strength.”

While Poch spends his sabbatical away from Pomona, many of his normal responsibilities will be assumed by Art Rodriguez, Senior Associate Dean of Admissions. Rodriguez, who has been on staff for more than 10 years, has worked closely with Poch and is very familiar with the daily workings of the office, as well as its larger mission of selecting genuine, talented students.

“Art Rodriguez really knows how things work here,” said Pomona College President David Oxtoby.

The transition of management during Poch’s sabbatical has been a considerable, but welcome, challenge for Rodriguez.

“Now, certainly, I’m being tested,” said the acting Dean of Admissions.

Despite the many responsibilities that Rodriguez has taken on, he still feels that this fall’s changes have been overwhelmingly positive for him.

“It allows me to think a little bit harder about what we’re trying to do,” he said.

Rodriguez asserted that he is well prepared to oversee admissions affairs, describing the gradual increase he has seen in his responsibilities over time.

“In the last few years, [Poch] has involved me in many of the conversations that he has been a part of whether they have happened in meetings or committees. With emails, he’s often copied me on the correspondence so that I would’ve some insight into what was happening.”

Poch feels that the Admissions Office will run smoothly in his absence.

“The office is in good hands,” he said.