Forums provide students voice to administrators
by Brian Shults, se news editor

    SE Campus Forums allow students the opportunity to voice any concerns about the college.

   The next forums are Thursday, Oct. 24, at 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. in the Bistro.

   “I want students to know that if they have questions or concerns, they can come to us, the administrators, and tell us. We want to know what works and what doesn’t work because we do not want to assume and then be wrong,” Dr. Judith Carrier, SE president, said.

   The forums are designed for students to speak directly to campus administrators about any complaints or praise they have regarding instructor policies, campus policies, equipment availability and campus facilities, Carrier said.

   “The Campus Forums give us the opportunity to listen to students speak and speak to students globally, across the entire campus,” she said.

   All students are invited. Generally, each division chair selects a few students to gather ideas from their classmates and voice them to the faculty at the forums on their behalf. The faculty and students each have microphones, enabling the entire group to hear the questions and responses. If time does not permit everyone to voice their opinion, written responses will be taken and feedback will be given within two weeks, Carrier said.

   Carrier also noted that she wants the forums to create a relationship between the students and faculty.

   “I hope that students can recognize administrators and what positions they hold. We want them to know that they can walk up to any business office and talk to us. And my office is included too. It is a business office for the students.

   “After the forums, I want the students to feel that if they have a question, they do not have to go to 52 different offices to find the answer. They can come to my office, and if I do not know the answer, I can tell them who to speak with,” she said.

   The students’ questions will be answered as completely as possible at the forum. Any questions submitted in writing will be answered on a personal basis, as well as a written response posted in various areas of the campus. If the capability exists, the responses will also be placed on the campus Web site, Rusty Fox, dean of student development and educational services, said.