The University of St. Thomas is looking to hire a new neighborhood liaison as soon as possible after the previous liaison, Amy Gage, retired in August after eight years with the university.

St. Thomas has had a neighborhood liaison since 1990, with only three people holding the position in 32 years. Without anyone in the position for four months, St. Thomas was forced to make major changes to the position.

“The position serves as an important point of contact between St. Thomas and our broader community,” Assistant Dean of Students Josh Hengemuhle said.

Since Gage’s retirement, several St. Thomas staff members have divided the tasks that the neighborhood liaison typically does.

Handling student houses that host parties and disturb the peace has been a large part of the liaison’s job, according to Hengemuhle. Dealing with these large gatherings has been handled by contacting both the liaison and St. Thomas Public Safety for years.

According to MyVillager.com, the West Summit Neighborhood Advisory Committee was told on Oct. 11 that, although someone new would fill the position, there would be some changes on how some of the responsibilities would be handled.

One of the changes to the liaison position is that only Public Safety will be called to respond to these parties. Public Safety will then pass along the information it gathers to the liaison.

According to the Dean of Students Office, off campus housing complaints from St. Paul residents will still go through its office and will be handled case by case.

“Our commitment to advancing the common good doesn’t end at our campus boundaries,” Hengemuhle said. “We hope that St. Thomas as an institution, and our students, can be positive partners in the community.”

Karl Warner can be reached at warn5356@stthomas.edu.