Silhouette

Issue date: 5/9/02 Section: Forum

Media Credit: Chandra Askren/ Silhouette

Media Credit: Chandra Askren/ Silhouette

Media Credit: Matt McClure/ Silhouette

Media Credit: Chandra Askren/ Silhouette

Media Credit: Chandra Askren/ Silhouette

When was the last time you saw a member of the administration visiting with students? Have you seen the college president or any one of the deans walking through the halls or participating in any of the on-campus events?

When these questions were asked of students, a few responded that they remembered seeing Beth Tedrow, dean of student services. However, the overwhelming response of students revealed that very few of them had any idea who the college president was or that there were other deans.

This reveals a sad fact: Although the college community prides itself in being small enough to get to know the students as individuals, students don't feel administrators acknowledge them.

Although these individuals work hard in other areas, we feel they've done very little to demonstrate to students on a regular basis that they value who it is for whom they work.

Even President Carol Ballantyne has written open letters to students, vowing that it is her duty and privilege to know and care about each student personally. However, most students only recognize her as the lady who attends basketball games.

In fact, 8 out of 10 students said they had no idea who the college president was. Few students reported seeing her walking on campus mingling with students or in buildings visiting classrooms.

In addition, 6 out of 10 students said they had no idea who the Dean of Instruction was. Students who did recognize Clayton Tatro as the dean of instruction said the only reason they did was because they had gone to him to settle grievances. Few students remembered seeing Tatro on campus speaking with students.

We do not question the administration's commitment to the college. However, as the saying goes, "Out of sight, out of mind," one can't help but wonder how well the administration understands whom it is they serve.

We as students would feel more valued if our administration were present and available. How else can they hear our concerns and share in our successes?

Of the four administrators, or officers of the college [president, dean of instruction, dean of business and administration, and dean of student services] students were only able to recognize one—Dean of Student Services Beth Tedrow.

We commend Dean Tedrow for regularly attending and participating in campus events. We appreciate that she takes time to talk with students and get to know them. Students know she is available and that she supports them. Her involvement shows students that they are valued. She sets an example to which the other administrators should aspire.

Though the year is coming to an end, we challenge the administration to make themselves more visible and to take part in various student activities, not just athletics or residential hall events. Your students want to know that you are there for them.

Support all campus activities. Regularly visit with students. Remember what it feels like to be a student. Remember that being an administrator isn't about meetings with head honchos from other colleges. If you want students to value what it is that administrators do, then take the time to value what we as students do.

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