Mid-quarter leadership changes at Santa Clara University’s Office of Accessible Education have raised concerns following the departures of Director James Marik and Assistant Director Heather Stephan. The changes were announced in a Feb. 6 newsletter from the Inclusive Excellence Division. Students questioned how the transition would affect accommodation services and called for greater transparency. Shá Duncan Smith, vice president for inclusive excellence, said she and assistant vice president Mo Lotif are overseeing the office in the interim and expect services to continue without interruption. A Feb. 10 email said Aniya Sutton Ward, an ADA/504 consultant, will serve as operations lead during the transition. Duncan Smith said an internal timeline has been established to fill the vacancies. The office, previously staffed by seven professional employees, has since lost its director, assistant director and access specialist Michael Crump. Office manager Chris Smead is working remotely and will begin parental leave March 2. Access specialist Amy Yasukawa is on leave until Feb. 17. Digital access specialist Cam Coulter and executive function coach Heidi Qandah remain in office. “There is no confirmed timeline for filling these roles,” Smead said, adding that temporary staffing is being explored. Athena Li ’26, who receives academic accommodations through the office, said the former leadership was central to her success. “Me standing here being able to graduate with a double degree and being able to graduate on time in the spring, really I do owe it to the office and especially to James and Heather,” Li said, describing Marik as “an immense source of stability.” Tay Grett ’25, a former Associated Student Government senator at large for student health, said the news was “extremely saddening.” “I cried. I was sobbing,” Grett said. “James and Heather are the reason I was able to graduate.” Both students said they are seeking clearer communication about how the University will ensure continuity of services. “I am honestly terrified for the current and future students of SCU who need accommodations,” Grett said. 📝: @kyliebenn&@diyachaudhary 📷: @elainez_ly

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