100 Community Conversations Notes: Group spoke about the diversity of campus and how it has grown, but worries WWU will become closed off as tuition costs rise. WWU does a good job of working with the community and want to see that remain – not become isolated. They appreciate the cultural opportunities. The group believes that part of keeping Bellingham vibrant is keeping the school open and active. One group member came to work in Bellingham because of connection between the WWU Recreation program and Bellingham Parks & Recreation - great internships, volunteers, help, etc. The opportunities for real world experience can ground students in reality and provides staff an opportunity to engage with students with new ideas to share. Both sides benefit. Would like to see WWU maintain cutting-edge, highly focused research programs like VRI. Spoke about the Waterfront development and appreciate WWU’s involvement in research. WWU draws people onto the hill for the athletics – such as rowing – programs are not comparable elsewhere. School gives back to the community through basketball games and student involvement. WWU athletics and summer programs get the kids on campus and start thinking about being in a college setting. Once kids are on campus, create good citizens who can contribute to society, agile to develop skills/education and react to changing economy. Group began discussing the variety of lecture series at WWU, but difficult to find information about them. WWU does not do a good job of marketing to the general public. Good job advertising concert series, athletics - but many programs are not known. What is available to the public? Could the public do class audits or use Lakewood rentals? Western Today provides new hi-tech ability to learn/search about campus, but many people don’t even know about it. The conversation moved to discuss academics specifically. One member believes that WWU is behind the curve on public resources being used for other resources, i.e. class times should be more varied and create opportunity to teach classes different than traditional programs. At this point, with the economy, more people must work longer hours and that requires classes outside the norm. If classes were offered downtown it would also help community restaurants to draw people into town. Group believes WWU is losing our niche by allowing other organizations to offer classes. It would be beneficial to the community to discuss how to let the public use library resources. Has WWU considered how to get reserved material to easiest location for pick up or considered parking alternatives – obstacles that make WWU difficult to reach. What is the possibility for 2-year and tech programs? Compass2Campus allows students to learn about college at early age. It used to be that if you attended community college, you were automatically accepted – not anymore. Out of state tuition is highest possible, but in-state can take more because out-of-state tuition is higher. Washington is importing more than 50% of engineering and tech students. Other countries invest more in higher education, while the U.S. is limiting funds. WWU has Huxley & Fairhaven, which are unique and Woodring is still a strong draw. However, writing skills are atrocious. Recent graduates are not recognizing the audience they are writing to and sentence structure is horrid. People have made comments to faculty or community members. Although the problem begins at an earlier level, WWU faculty should try to help improve those skills. Even if they do not come in with those tools, should be involved with internships or classes to help at earlier stage. Branch programs coming to military bases because of tuition assistance and GI Bill. However, the average student is graduating with $15,000 debt. If the need-based dollars are pulled, no way to fill positions lost. Does not seem like a high amount to community members for what it’s worth. Key words used to describe the school include: beauty, sculptures, Red Square, diversity, buildings, view of the water, engaged political body, Karen Morse (first to get the school involved in the community). WWU is viewed above Central & Eastern, close to UW & WSU. There used to be a higher separation, now more approachable. Police see a higher connection and more collaboration, relationships are organic. There is a large gap between perception of WWU and logo, which no one can picture. Group would like to see a new logo that better represents the school. WWU is considered a 5-year institution because students can’t complete their degree on time. That reputation filters down to high school and can be a deterrent to choosing WWU. If the next round of cuts will cut into academics, will WWU drop enrollment to maintain quality? Summary: The group would really like to see more internships. It provides an opportunity for students to apply what they have learned and is beneficial for the intern supervisor who gets to hear diverse ideas and feel connected to the school. They are worried about the diversity of campus programs and what more budget cuts would mean for programs they enjoy. Personal thoughts: If WWU is a teaching institution instead of research, why aren’t more internships available on campus? Since no pay required, it would be a good replacement for positions that need to be cut. The group discussed the difficulty of graduating on time, but I think it depends on the department aid and class availability. I did not choose a major until my junior year but I am able to graduate on time. Students need to know how to plan in advance and make priorities. Ultimately, it is their choice to take extra classes, like PE, or not register for more than 12 credits.