received in those areas and as they went through the enrollment process. We are going to take that information and we are going to use that as a benchmark on how we improve on that going forward. That is a major issue. “Students should see it as a positive message that we want to know what they think. You have heard stories of why people didn’t come here: ‘We didn’t feel like they really wanted us.’ We are looking at all those type things, to see how we recruit.” U of M Vice President for Student Affairs Rosie Phillips Bingham says, “The surveys focus on student satisfaction: advising, housing, recruitment and things tied to the entire enrollment process.” Bingham says that the staff in those areas is also being surveyed. “Everything they do should be done in a way to accomplish the highest level of service quality.”
Bingham says BOV member and International Paper executive Tom Kadian provided assistance with the service quality portion. IP is known for its excellent customer service practices. Burkett says another area the BOV has quickly moved on has to do with engaging area industry. “We have identified the largest businesses in our market and we’re sending out letters to the CEOs of these businesses that we want to meet with them so we can understand what their human capital needs are today and what they see those needs as being in the next 10 years. Our commitment is that we are going to listen to them and then develop a plan that enables the University to meet those needs. Their response is often that no one has ever reached out to them. We are inviting these companies to come and have their corporate meetings on campus. You’d be surprised how many of these CEOs have never set foot on our campus.” Another area the BOV is helping with
concerns retention rates. “There are a number of students who get to, for example, 90 hours, but don’t finish school. We are identifying these students and the reasons why they don’t finish and finding solutions to keep them in school.” These solutions may include offering incentives or financial assistance to students who may be on the verge of graduating but are unable to because of finances. Burkett says the BOV’s involvement is essential for survival. “You have enrollment that is down, a funding system that is changing and a very competitive environment,” Burkett says. “The business model of a university is changing, so we have to change to ensure our future. That is what this is all about.”
Board of Visitors members are taking a proactive role in helping address the eight priorities President Brad Martin has initiated.
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