A review of the Trinity Web page, Trinitonian and Dean’s List archives -- and some vetting by select Student Affairs staff -- results in this year’s review. I am pleased to report that the major Student Affairs goals from the past academic year have been addressed.
Dining Services
After a year-long process, a new meal plan is in place and significant renovations are about to begin in Mabee Hall. Any Einstein can see this will be a good thing.
Greek LifeA revised private party policy, newly approved calendar, risk management consultant reviews, new alumni advisory council, and a new sense of optimism. It’s been a good year. We have great momentum for the future.
Residency Requirement
After significant discussion, the Board of Trustees reaffirms that we are residential, and the best way to express it is through the continuing three-year requirement. That’s what you get when you choose us.
Top Five Stories
1. The economy
Perhaps the least sexy pick for a lead story, but the most impactful. Pell Grants in jeopardy from the federal level, TEG grants possibly being cut at the state level. With costs of higher education, squeezing students whose families are having their own battles with the economy puts everyone under pressure. Colleges, now, more than ever, need to be good stewards of resources.
2. Construction
Before number one, above, ground was broken on the fantastic new Center for the Sciences and Innovation building. This includes plans to move all heating and cooling facilities from the Science neighborhood to lower campus. Proposed trenching is changed to boring underground passageways to limit disruption. We can manage a little disruption as the first phase may open as soon as January.
3. Colin Powell – tickets and speech (and no notes!)
The hottest ticket in town was for this important campus lecture. Tickets were reserved for students, the community, and employees. The shared pick-up time led to some concerns about availability of tickets for students. In the end, most all who wanted a ticket got one. This didn’t happen last time CP spoke here. But, lesson learned for next prominent lecture.
4. ASR
ASR made this list last year, for a change in the constitution to give ASR more power and authority by directly allocating activity fee. The fee is about half here as other places so the students voted to increase it for the next year. Crossed wires led to the proposal not being forwarded for University budget consideration. Students show their frustration with a 10% voter turn-out. Yawn…
5. Snow days
When numbers one through four are long-forgotten, students will remember the day south central Texas froze over, and school was called off and bid day was postponed for a day.
Hits
Student giving
Senior gift, disaster victims, the needy in San Antonio. TU students have huge hearts.
Residence hall renovations
Calvert re-built, McFarlin Halls and McLean refurbished, and Miller becomes LEED Gold certified.
Facilities Management response to breaking pipes
Flash Mob
This video says it all (scroll down).
40-34 double OT home football opener win vs. Howard Payne
Trinitonian
Best paper ever.
Men's Conference
Misses (the news we didn’t want)
Proposed Gun law (again) – Allow guns on campus? Put a panic button in the Dean’s Office…
Greg Mortenson – First Reading TUgether book and lecturer loses his luster amid reports of fraud. He is a really nice man though.
Storch Cat – Poor old, evil, balding, possum-like creature passes. Students create a Facebook page to grieve. A campus icon is mourned with… fur ball in cheek.
Former President’s salary figures – Compensation receives national attention
Response to Facilities Management response to breaking pipes (see hits)
Professor leaves mid-fall
Stray dogs
Missing the soccer championships in our own backyard
Under the Radar
Environmental Studies Major approved
Presidential Inauguration
University declares no classes the Wednesday before Thanksgiving starting 2011
First Amendment Week
Women’s History Month
Performer Peterson Toscano
MLK speaker Marc Lamont Hill (Awesome!)
Econ professor takes the helm in Business Administration
University administration changes and re-org
Urban Sprawl
Leadership Awards
Big Hurts
Dr. Tomas Sebastian passes away after courageous cancer fight
2010 graduate Kayla Mire dies in one-car accident
On the Horizon
Renovated soccer stadium – Another chance at home field advantage!
Hertz Connect – Car rentals, from campus, hourly rate, 18 and older, international license accepted… Yes!
Dining – Attention to turn to Commons, Science Café, Skyline Room
Strategic Plan – Also not sexy. Also a big impact.
Curricular review – See Strategic Plan
Tower lights – Will be ready by fall
No Class Zone – Maybe not this year… But 5-7 common meeting/practice times? Too good to pass on.
ArchiveSecond Annual Review 2009-2010
First Review 2008-2009
What should have made the list? What should have been left off? Make your suggestions. or wite your own blog.
2 comments:
The no class zone sounds like a good idea. A win/win for all.
No class zone does have many upsides to it. Complicating issues are that evening classes are popular and that some classes are held during this time because instructors are working in the community - say a business person doing a seminar - and have to come in following work, but don't want to start after 7. Others make it work so I hope we can!
Post a Comment