At the request of the ad hoc Committee on Safety, Security and Hospitality, University President Fr. John Jenkins has appointed Michael Seamon as director of gameday operations, according to a University press release.
Seamon, the current assistant vice president for University events and protocol, has accepted the additional position.
His responsibilities include managing the football gameday safety, security and hospitality operations that run through various University organizations.
In an Oct. 14 article, The Observer reported the ad hoc committee was formed in response to complaints of aggressive behavior from police and ushers.
The committee released a report in March, detailing recommended actions the administration should take, including installing a gameday operations director.
Seamon said a large part of his job is to make sure Notre Dame continues to have a lasting effect on those who visit its campus.
"In my conversations with Fr. Jenkins in the past ... both he and I and everyone here is keenly aware and extremely proud of the fact that Notre Dame is very special place," Seamon said. "It leaves an impression on people when they visit here."
He said his primary responsibility is "to work with the various departments on campus to create a more coordinated effort on how we serve the Notre Dame community on gameday weekends."
Jenkins has also given Seamon the responsibility of implementing several recommendations given by the ad hoc committee as soon as possible, as well as beginning to employ other recommendations in the near future.
Seamon said that he hopes most of the changes will be in place by next fall.
"Our goal will be to implement as much of [the report's suggestions] as we can over the summer," he said.
An important part of his job is improving how information is distributed to visitors, Seamon said.
"We want to enhance our communications and interactions with our fans, and provide the best experience possible," he said. "This involves providing people with all the information necessary so that they can experience all of the different opportunities football weekends provide."
Seamon said providing a safe environment for all visitors is a priority.
"We want to create an environment that is safe and hospitable to everyone that comes on campus, regardless if they are a fan or a guest with the opposing team," he said.
Seamon said that he anticipates the positive gameday atmosphere present in past years to continue and improve based on the recommendations of the ad hoc committee.
"My hope is that the students and all of our fans will continue to enjoy Notre Dame and all that we have to offer on our home football weekends," he said.
Seamon said he is pleased with his new responsibilities and is looking forward to taking on his new duties.
"I'm excited about it," he said. "I'm excited about the University going forward in this initiative."
Aaron Steiner contributed to this report.
