Open Forum with President Weiss 11/03/09
What is the organization of the Student Government positions? Why are the chair positions elected within and not by the student body? (Asked by a Student)
The chair positions were created by student government so that the representatives would have a focus. The representatives are elected by the student body, but are given their individual responsibility within the group. Each chair brings information to the government and all must vote to make decisions. Having the student body vote the student to a chair position is a possibility for next year, but this year’s elections are already underway.
Are the graduating seniors feeling like the college is helping them? (Faculty)
Career Services could spend more time on the subject that is advertised rather than future events. HPAC is doing a great job for health professions.
What can the college do better? (Faculty)
More attendance at athletic events – may be due to lack of spirit, tradition, and the students already being extremely involved.
Many schools in certain areas do not know about Lafayette and should know about it. (Student)
Lafayette is currently working on being more aggressive about spreading our name. Cadence is possibly going to D.C. to sing to high school students and speak with students about Lafayette.
Can the college be more transparent about the structure and organization? (Student)
Faculty has its own system that President Weiss does not oversee. They have confidential discussions at times and are not always shared. If there is specific information that is needed, President Weiss is willing to work to see if it can be shared.
There is a disconnect between faculty and Greek organizations. How can they work together better? Faculty reception possibly? (Student)
This problem goes back 25 years. Faculty used to visit houses often before the change. There is a group being formed to study this problem and hopefully close this gap. Faculty may think that they are competing with a system that does not support academics. The students must get in the minds of the faculty and show them that this is not true. Faculty is incredibly busy and travel and work more than ever. Need to cordially invite faculty to fraternity houses and start up conversations. Invite faculty that you already know and actually bring them to the house so that they feel comfortable.
Are steps being made to expand the Greek system on campus? (Student)
The Greek working group will be discussing it. The group will consist of faculty, staff, students, and trustees. They will gain information and make informed decisions. More information will follow in the near future.
Will the students be informed of the decisions being made before they are decided? (Student)
President Weiss believes all of the information for the Greek group and the Campus Climate study group will be presented to the Lafayette community.
Is there any discussion of expanding majors on campus, such as broadcast? (Student)
New programs are being developed, not in communications, but in life sciences and other topics.
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