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.