Students and faculty at the U are invited to participate in a campus-wide conversation on accreditation through the university-hosted dialogue sessions.
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Ruth Watkins, senior vice president for Academic Affairs and the chief academic officer for the U, said these discussions will take place from March 2 to 10.
“We are in year seven of accreditation … which requires us to do a self-assessment on the direction that our campus is going,” she said. “These dialogues are important to the institution as a whole and are meant to help our institution grow.”
The sessions will be hosted by the Office of Academic Affairs, and Watkins said each one has a particular theme meant to celebrate areas of interest at the U and promote discussion of improvement. She said anyone is encouraged to attend and give input. Conversations at each of these dialogues will be facilitated by Amy Wildermuth, associate vice president for Faculty, and Kathryn Stockton, interim associate vice president for Equity and Diversity.
“Both these professionals are respected leaders on campus,” Watkins said. “These speakers were chosen because of their duality as faculty members as well as administrative experience. Both have experience in several different areas of campus and know the ins-and-outs of what goes on.”
The first discussion, “Promote Student Success to Transform Lives,” is on March 2. The session is aimed at achievements made by U students.
“This is perhaps the best session for students to attend since its focus will be on things done by students,” Watkins said. “This session also cements the idea that faculty, staff and the institution as a whole have student growth as a strong priority.”
Cathy Davis, a sophomore in anthropology, was not aware of these dialogues but is interested in attending one.
“The U is a school that has so much going for it,” Davis said. “The more I learn about it, the more proud I am and excited to be a part of such an important place.”
Scott Larsen, a senior in sociology, said he’s seen growth of the U since beginning college five years ago.
“I started at the U just after we joined the Pac-12. Since then, when I’ve applied to internships, name-dropping the U is a huge advantage,” Larson said. “The U is a really big school and carries a lot of prestige, and while it’s easy to feel unnoticed, this dialogue sounds like students are cared about and that their achievements don’t go unnoticed.”
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SESSIONS:
-Monday, March 2, 12-1 p.m.
“Promote Student Success to Transform Lives”
Gould Auditorium, Marriott Library
-Friday, March 6, 8-9 a.m.
“Develop and Transfer New Knowledge”
Gould Auditorium, Marriott Library
-Monday, March 9, 3-4 p.m.
“Improve Health and Quality of Life”
Union, Panorama East
-Tuesday, March 10, 8-9 a.m.
“Ensure Long-Term Viability of the University”
Health Sciences, HSEB Alumni Hall 2110
To take part in these conversations RSVP to Scott McMurtrey at [email protected] at least two days prior to the event.