absent yet again...

I apologize, again, for not posting regularly. I think I just need to admit to the fact that while working for a newspaper and being responsible for filling it's content and writing my own columns, I just don't have as much time to blog as I would like to. I am going to continue to post my columns on this blog, and then will return to write when my mandate is over (sad face).

http://www.thefulcrum.ca/blogs/blog/40195

Rock and the quality of student experience

by Katherine DeClerq

Published: Jan 12

AS A NEWS reporter, it is my job to be critical. I’m supposed to look at every angle, ask lots of questions, and, in general, be skeptical. In fact, when I took over this position at the Fulcrum, I was told by three generations of news editors to not be afraid to go after a story in this fashion.

While I pride myself on being a wonderful cynic, even I must admit that I enjoy my monthly conversations with U of O President Allan Rock. Yes, I can tell when his answers are shaped by his politically trained mind, but at the same time, it gives me an opportunity to ask him follow-up queries about the administration. In our latest meeting, I questioned him about his presentation on the quality of the student experience at the December Board of Governors (BOG) meeting, a meeting I couldn’t personally attend due to an exam.

He replied that he also had an exam in December: that he had to prove to the BOG that the university administration is making the quality of student experience as their first priority. This came as a response to Maclean’s University Report and the Globe and Mail university rankings.

Rock’s response to my question: “I gave a report of what has been done. I acknowledged it wasn’t sufficient and that it was a real challenge,” and “that [it] is going to become a major preoccupation for the board and for me.” He never denied that there was a problem— he didn’t even try a politicized answer. He had an expression of genuine enthusiasm on his face.

He mentioned a few ideas. Rock understood the roles of the faculty deans and stressed the importance of communicating with students. He mentioned bringing together first-year students for a day to talk about services the university offers and giving them time to answer personal questions (including providing a concert on Tabaret lawn). Creating a more user-friendly website for prospective students was suggested, and the idea of a second 101-week was even bounced around.

Now, I mentioned the above skepticism for a reason—this is a big initiative and will probably take years to organize (10, as joked by Rock). But at least it is being considered and worked on.

Although the administration tends to take their time and work in terms of financial stability above anything else (ex. tuition fees), even I have to admit that our university is working hard to make a noticeable difference: Hot chocolate and tea for students waiting in lines for financial aid; better quality food from the cafeteria; personal meetings between the administration and concerned or frustrated students.

Do we have a lot to do? Absolutely. Will it take a long time? I can imagine 10 years minimum. Will students continue to be frustrated? Probably. But with an administration this concerned about the student experience, I’d at least say that we are on our way to that A+...or maybe a solid B, in Maclean’s.