Comments through October 1, 2008

The following comments to Bruce during several listening sessions have not been filtered. They include comments, concerns, recommendations, and bragging points. (link to all the comments in one document)

Academic Programs and Courses

1. Students’ most often chosen major coming in is not congruent with the most frequently granted degrees reflecting, in part, the difficulty students have with mathematics.  Western could benefit by investing in a top notch math preparation course.
2. The state is emphasizing higher demand courses, meaning things the state and the economy demands more of.  What about the high need and value for liberal arts education?

Advancement

1. Important to look at the priorities of the university and keep the university as a whole informed about the role of advancement. 
2. We have an opportunity for key decision makers to be provided information about our excellence.  We need to elevate the recognition of our expertise.
3. While we have the expertise to help key decision makers, it is our responsibility to be responsive to their needs.
4. We need to look at ways university advancement can facilitate faculty/key decision maker exchanges.
5. Individuals: Bellingham is increasingly a retirement destination.  Many are people of means and people with substantial expertise in a variety of fields and occupations.  Most are happy to share when asked, though identifying them can be a problem. 

Alumni Connections

1. Look for more ways to connect students to alums with increased alumni mentoring of students.
2. Alumni are connected with MySpace and Facebook.
3. We need to leverage our alumni expertise

 

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