In November 2007, the Dean of the College (DOC) division embarked on a strategic planning process that will continue through this academic year. A critical component of this process is gathering feedback from the Colgate community. I thank the more than 600 students who took the online survey and the many others who attended focus groups held in the spring semester. Our work to enrich and strengthen the Colgate experience for all our students will be guided by the data and insights we collected from students, faculty, staff and alumni during the research process. As we continue our strategic planning process, I wanted to take this opportunity to share what we have learned so far. Below are some themes that emerge from the student responses.
1. Supporting Intellectual Connectivity Out of Class: Students want stronger connections between academic and residence life, and ask for more interactions with faculty outside of class. Students also prefer smaller, more informal gatherings over larger programmed events.
2. Supporting Intellectual Engagement by Strengthening Connections Across Years: Students want to create spaces outside formal living areas to gather informally, including coffee kiosks, and lounge areas. Students would also like to create programs and events that involve students from each class.
3. Encouraging Students to Take Responsibility and Lead: We learned that students would like more opportunities for autonomy in planning and leading programs.
4. Promoting Civic Engagement: Students would like more opportunities for civic engagement, including more courses, opportunities through the first-year experience (FYE) and sophomore year experience (SYE), more programs like the alternative spring break trips, more global networks and connections and greater utilization of the COVE.
5. Building a More Inclusive Community: Students want to connect more deeply with the Colgate community and programs and develop activities that create a greater sense of belonging across differences. Socially, students want more large-scale events/activities available outside of Broad Street, more substance-free events and programs, and higher visibility and attendance at ALANA events.
I thank all who have participated for their thoughtful input and suggestions. As we enter the next phase of strategic planning and take a look at DOC programs and initiatives, the whole DOC division looks forward to working with all students and the rest of the Colgate community to deepen and widen the Colgate experience.
