Almost 20 faculty members met Sept. 20, on the third floor of Collins Library, to share ideas, comments, complaints and feedback about Baker University.
Topics tossed around included convocation, graduation, new faculty adaptation and the university reaction to the loss of junior Molly Larson, who died Sept. 13 of injuries sustained in a car crash Sept. 2.
University President Pat Long, who facilitated the meeting, started off by thanking those present for the sympathetic reaction to Larson’s death, which she said penetrated the entire university.
“Any time you lose a student on campus it not only affects the people who knew the student, but the campus as a whole,” Long said.
Long said she was pleased with the outcome of convocation and the media panels Sept. 18, but asked the people present at the meeting if there were any ideas for improvement.
Jerry Weakley, vice president for endowment and planned giving, suggested Baker pursue assembling a panel of coaches who would talk to student athletes interested in the field.
“It might be a good niche to look into,” Weakley said. “It would be a good opportunity for students.”
Faculty received Weakley’s proposal positively, and Long said that it is something that will have to be considered.
“The primary objective (of panels) is to expose students to something,” Long said. “(The panels) are geared so students can interact with professionals in their field. That is certainly something we will talk about.”
Long said she was delighted with the number of alumni and students who attended convocation, as well as the speech delivered by keynote speaker Cokie Roberts, political analyst for ABC News and National Public Radio.
“I felt great about it,” Long said. “We may have had the largest crowed we’ve ever had.”
The group also talked about reviewing graduation elements and script.
“We have absolutely wonderful ceremonies,” Long said. “(The ceremonies) are personal and just incredibly well done, but there is always room for improvement.”
One attendee mentioned the need for a frequently asked questions sheet for new faculty members. The quick facts or FAQ sheet would aid in the assimilation process. Most faculty members immediately took to the idea, nodding in agreement.
Edrie Swanson, executive assistant to the president, said she believes the informal meetings, which occur monthly and were put into practice last year, have been beneficial.
“It’s an informal way to talk about what’s currently going on and a good way to keep comfortable with the environment,” Swanson said.
Designed to stimulate growth and maintain communication on campus, the meetings switch from building to building to stay fresh.
“The whole intent is to enhance communication across campus,” Long said.
Long said that most people tend to choke back complaints when coughing them up would prove to be much more productive.
“A lot of the time you can fix a problem if one: you know about it and two: you talk about it,” Long said.
Coffee and Conversation is scheduled again at 9 a.m. today in the maintenance department. Students are encouraged to attend.