Staff Spotlight #3

Elizabeth M. Hilt, V.P. for Student Services

Elizabeth (“Liz”) Hilt considers herself to be the “concierge” for students at Palo Alto University. Her office serves the nonacademic needs of students and student families from the time they decide to attend PAU until the day they graduate—and sometimes even beyond.As a resource for information and advice regarding all aspects of graduate student life, Liz is a popular “go-to” person at PAU.  She is familiar with resources in the Palo Alto area including hospitals, physicians, restaurants, recreational activities, and libraries. She helps students balance their personal lives with the demands of a rigorous graduate program, and answers questions that range from how to find local housing for the brand new student to how to how to prepare for a professional job interview. 

Liz works closely with graduate student organizations, international students, and students who request special accommodations. She plans new student orientation and other special events, invites guest speakers on various topics in clinical psychology, assists with planning commencement, and organizes pre-licensing workshops for graduates. She is also involved with accreditation activities with WASC and APA.  As a student at PAU, if you’re not sure how to tackle a problem, Student Services is a good place to start.