Staff Editorial: Administration works hard to make certain student ideas heard

By Kevin Green, February 22, 2012

At High Point University, students are frequently given opportunities to share their ideas, comments and concerns. In every building on campus, there are suggestion boxes, along with cards and pens, for students to impart their thoughts about campus with members of the administration. The ideas are evaluated and seriously considered; students are sent thank-you notes for offering their suggestions.

Another opportunity is the Community Affairs Board, hosted by the Student Government Association each semester. Members of the administration sit on the panel and address questions and concerns from students. At the most recent meeting, students spent more than an hour posing questions and sharing concerns with members of the administration.

During the meeting, praise was shared from a student in regards to the Hospitality Team’s outstanding service and meal changes that occurred while students were away for Winter Break. Chris Dudley, vice president and chief of staff, shared several new changes for the 2012-13 school year regarding the meal plan, including new plans for the Grille to become an “all you care to eat” location. To alleviate the long lines at Starbucks in the mornings, Dudley said with “90% certainty” that a second Starbucks will be on campus come fall.

Students asked questions regarding the cost of housing and housing options for 2012-13, and not only was Gail Tuttle, vice president of Student Life, able to explain the reasoning, she also encouraged any student with questions about their personal situation or the sign-up process to meet with one of the housing coordinators.

If students post remarks on their respective class Facebook pages, the Campus Concierge is quick to reply to problems or suggestions that have been posted. Some of the changes made in the C-store located in the bottom of Yadkin were based off students request for the ability to purchase fresh fruit, along with the Coca-Cola Freestyle machine, which serves over 100 types of soda.

Many of the prospective students who tour the campus frequently ask what the relationship between students and professors is like. The same diligence of response and communication that takes place between students and professors applies to the University staff and administration; they love to hear from students, and to get constructive feedback regarding things happening on campus.

True to one of our university slogans, HPU really is “student-driven.” The administration cares about the students– from their safety and well-being to dining options to the value of an academic degree– and they ‘show the love’ often and with pleasure. By taking advantage of these chains of communication, you too can have your brilliant ideas come to life!