2008 Woodie Awards
Meeting unites students, administrators
Approximately 80 attend the SGA-sponsored town hall
R. Evan Jarrold
Issue date: 4/4/08 Section: News
In an act of diplomacy, students and administrators met to discuss prominent issues at Saint Louis University during "An Evening with the Administration." The Student Government Association hosted the event on Tuesday, April 1, in an attempt to bolster communication between the two groups. The evening is traditionally held once each semester.
"Once again, I enjoyed this opportunity to hear directly from students about the things that matter to them," said SLU President Lawrence Biondi, S.J., in an e-mail to The University News.
The event was modeled after last semester's town hall meeting and was held in the St. Louis Room. The meeting lasted approximately 90 minutes.
SGA President Andrew Clifton said he hoped that students walked away with "a better understanding for why things are the way they are at SLU."
According to Clifton, approximately 80 students were in attendance. "I think we did get a little higher turnout than last semester," he said.
Biondi and Provost Joe Weixlmann, Ph.D., were among the 13 administrators present; various deans and vice presidents also fielded students' questions. Each administrator introduced him or herself at the beginning of the evening.
The event consisted of three, 15-minute round-table discussions, rather than last semester's four, 10-minute discussions. Before each discussion session, groups were prompted with an over-arching topic, which included SLU's Jesuit identity, value of education and the future of SLU/school spirit.
A social period in which attendees could mingle followed the round tables.
At least one administrator and one SGA representative, taking notes on the discussion, were present at each table.
"It seems to work a little better," Clifton said of the new format.
According to Dean of Students Scott Smith, Ph.D., common student concerns included housing and campus diversity.
The possibility of a gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender resource center was also a prominent topic.
"Once again, I enjoyed this opportunity to hear directly from students about the things that matter to them," said SLU President Lawrence Biondi, S.J., in an e-mail to The University News.
The event was modeled after last semester's town hall meeting and was held in the St. Louis Room. The meeting lasted approximately 90 minutes.
SGA President Andrew Clifton said he hoped that students walked away with "a better understanding for why things are the way they are at SLU."
According to Clifton, approximately 80 students were in attendance. "I think we did get a little higher turnout than last semester," he said.
Biondi and Provost Joe Weixlmann, Ph.D., were among the 13 administrators present; various deans and vice presidents also fielded students' questions. Each administrator introduced him or herself at the beginning of the evening.
The event consisted of three, 15-minute round-table discussions, rather than last semester's four, 10-minute discussions. Before each discussion session, groups were prompted with an over-arching topic, which included SLU's Jesuit identity, value of education and the future of SLU/school spirit.
A social period in which attendees could mingle followed the round tables.
At least one administrator and one SGA representative, taking notes on the discussion, were present at each table.
"It seems to work a little better," Clifton said of the new format.
According to Dean of Students Scott Smith, Ph.D., common student concerns included housing and campus diversity.
The possibility of a gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender resource center was also a prominent topic.
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