On Oct. 25, the Student Advisory Council hosted a meeting for people to come together to discuss their likes and their improvements toward Ferris.
The meeting was held at the David L. Eisler Center room 202A. Any student and staff member who were a part of an on-campus organization were allowed to attend the meeting. People arrived as soon as 5 p.m. There were only six people in attendance at the start. By the time it was 6 p.m., the meeting had exceeded 27 total attendees, with a good variety of staff and students.
Jeanine Ward-Roof, the Vice President for Student Affairs, called the meeting to order and asked if everyone would state what they enjoy most about Ferris. Kristen Salomonson, Dean of Enrollment Services, was one of many who mentioned what they liked most about Ferris.
“The part of Ferris I like the most is that the University is large enough to provide a full array of opportunities and services for our students while also being small enough so that students, faculty, and staff know each other,” Salomonson said. “That blend makes for the best of all worlds.”
In addition to mentioning what she liked most about Ferris, Salomonson stated why she enjoyed being a part of the Student Advisory Council in terms of why she likes her work at the university.
“It is a terrific way to hear what students have to say about all aspects of their college experience in a relaxed setting,” Salomonson said. “When I sit face-to-face with students, it is a powerful reminder of why I love my work at Ferris.”
After everyone shared their favorite thing about Ferris, the University’s President, Dr. Bill Pink, addressed the room and gave anyone the opportunity to share what they thought should be improved at Ferris.
Once everyone had finished sharing, Pink mentioned why he enjoyed listening to what people think should be improved at Ferris, but also hearing what people like about the university.
“I enjoy hearing students talk about various things around campus,” Pink said. “Some of those things are very helpful to their success, while others are challenges. My goal is to help as much as I can with those challenges and encourage the positive aspects of what is working well.”
The meeting concluded after the last volunteer said what they thought Ferris should improve. Having students and staff come together to share on what they think Ferris should improve is one of the main reasons Ward-Roof encourages more students to invest in the program.
“Students have many spaces to share their voices and an advisory board is an excellent way to share,” Ward-Roof said.
As the vice president, Ward-Roof stated her reasons as to why she finds the program to be an important aspect of the university.
“Our work is centered on the students,” said Ward-Roof. “This Student Advisory Board enables us to hear directly from the students regarding their experiences. There is only good that can come from those types of interactions.”
Adding onto how the program is an important aspect of the university, Pink had a main takeaway as to why the meeting can be meaningful to all current students and staff.
“The evening with the council was helpful because the council provides a venue for various students, representing a number of groups on campus, to have input and a space for meaningful dialogue,” said Pink.
The Student Advisory Council plans to host another meeting at the D.E.C. the evening of Thursday, Nov. 16th.