|
|
|
February 2008 Students Offer Input at Town Hall Meeting
By Julia Parmley Approximately 150 GW students and alumni discussed their concerns and hopes for the University at a Board of Trustees Town Hall Forum and Reception held on Jan. 15, in the Jack Morton Auditorium in GW’s Media and Public Affairs Building. Board Chairman W. Russell Ramsey, B.B.A. ’81; Vice Chairman Nelson A. Carbonell Jr., B.S. ’85; President Steven Knapp; and Student Association President Nicole Capp hosted the listening session, which was open to all students. Participants at the forum addressed five broad questions about what attracted them to the University, how GW can improve academic excellence, their everyday concerns, and what they expect their relationship with GW to be in 10 years. Assistant Vice President of Student and Academic Support Services Peter Konwerski moderated the discussion. Repeated concerns among participants included the quality of advising; support for service learning, internships, and community service; student activities space; and the cost of tuition and textbooks. Suggestions included creating a foreign language immersion program and strengthening University facilities. President Knapp told the students he was grateful for their participation and comments. “One of the first things I learned about GW was about this process of listening to all the different components of the GW community,” said Knapp. “I pledged at the time to continue that listening process into the beginning of my presidency. I know it’s been a terrific investment of time and energy on the part of the trustees in particular, and I’m glad to be participating in it.” Ramsey thanked the students for being passionate and articulate. “I’ve got a page of notes here that are very substantive and clear on things that are important to you,” he said. “While we don’t have unlimited resources, we are clearly committed to making sure that this place can be the best it can be. [This town hall] really matters, and it really does make a difference in helping us steer the resources we have to the things that matter to you.” The town hall was the second in a continuing series to be conducted during the year. Members of the Board of Trustees and President Knapp plan to hold future sessions for alumni and staff.
|
|
||
