Each month at WCC, a group of ten students who sign up through the WCC Student Services department attend a luncheon with WCC president Dr. Rose Bellanca and Julie Morrison, WCC executive director for institutional effectiveness, planning and accreditation. One of the regular agenda items for each event is called: “What Would You Do If You Were President?” “
Examples of what students have said they would do if they were President of WCC include:
- Create social activities that will appeal to all age groups
- Develop a plan to translate life experience into credit hours
- Partner with business institutions to hold conferences promoting specific programs – such as an Internet conference
The lunches accomplish a myriad of objectives in a fun and casual atmosphere.
They serve to connect Dr. Bellanca with the students and provide them with an opportunity to offer their feedback based upon their personal experiences on the WCC campus.
“Each lunch meeting is so unique and forms its own personality in a matter of minutes,” said Morrison. “We marvel at the personal stories we hear – each one of them is compelling and distinct – and filled with examples of how many of our students have overcome monumental obstacles to pursue their education and dreams here.”
One thing that everyone seems to agree upon is that the idea of a “traditional WCC student” is no longer relevant because of the tremendous diversity on the WCC campus. And based upon discussions with students during monthly lunches and at other times, it’s clear that this diversity is a quality that WCC students most like about attending the college. Students find people of different ages, ethnicities, religions, education levels, work experiences, family makeup and much more when they come to WCC, which provides a dynamic environment and a welcoming place where they can learn.
In other recent conversations, students have discussed their thoughts about MOOCs [Massive Open Online Courses] as well as 12-week courses. Many have also expressed their interest in a partnership with the University of Toledo.
“The flow of information, insights, opinions and ideas from students across the WCC campus is vital to our ability to stay current, ensure we are on the right track, and discern changes in the needs of our students,” said Dr. Bellanca. “Whether it comes from students during a monthly luncheon or from a quick conversation as I walk through the Student Center, student feedback makes all the difference in the world to our ability to achieve the mission of WCC.”