fsfaculty: Faculty Senate: Orientation Changes

Authorized by Dr. Mark Goodman

President, Robert Holland Faculty Senate

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In recent days, the Office of Student Affairs has announced a proposal

to change spring orientation. No doubt, a reconsideration of orientation is in order and changes should be considered.

However, what is troubling, and of concern to the Faculty Senate, is that

Student Affairs has drawn up a plan with little faculty input. What is

particularly troubling is that few of the many faculty members who assist

with orientation were consulted before Lisa Harris of Student Affairs met

recently with the associate deans. Nor were many of the associate deans

consulted before the proposal was presented.

A crucial part of orientation is registering incoming freshmen for the

fall semester. For registration, the students are turned over to faculty

members representing most of the university majors. Participating in

orientation is a necessary, but disruptive process.

Changes without faculty input can negatively impact orientation and faculty participation; changes should be made through cooperation with faculty.

The Harris proposal calls for 10 orientation sessions, instead of the

current 5. This may turn out to be a good idea, but to date no one from

Student Affairs has met with the faculty members to explain the plan.

William Kibler, Vice President of Student Affairs, indicates that the

orientation proposal is just that--a proposal. Student Affairs is willing

to make changes in the orientation proposal.

Accordingly, I have asked Dr. Kibler to email faculty orientation

participants and to set up a meeting by the end of January to explain the

proposal. I have asked that faculty be provided an opportunity to provide

feedback and to recommend changes in the proposal, including changes in the

number of orientation sessions.

I would appreciate an email from faculty participating in orientation or

any faculty member with concerns. Send me your ideas and issues. My

address is mgoodman@comm.msstate.edu.

Mark Goodman

President

Robert Holland Faculty Senate

Delores Hudson
Staff Assistant, Faculty Senate/UCCC
(662)325-8700