Finding Connections

Asking, Listening, Responding
3/19/09 at 11:16:03 AM

Students' Voices
—Lisa Clark, Academic Adviser
Communications and Media Student Community

During the first half of spring semester, we have been busy holding "Discussion Groups" with Communications Studies Association, Ad Club, and PRISM as well as individual conversations with undeclared students from our community.

Through a series of questions, we have gathered direct feedback on students' interactions and usage of CLA advising, decision-making on majors, pre-professional opportunities and strategies, and their utilization of academic planning tools. Students were asked questions pertaining to future needs, including best practices on methods of communication, services, and resources utilized, as well as programming topics.

The compiled information with key areas of consideration was provided to all staff for their initial review. This information was further shared and discussed among staff during a mini-retreat held during spring break. We brainstormed methods and steps in addressing primary areas of concern as well as planning and collaborating on programs that directly respond to students' areas of interest and need.

Pizza and a Workshop
—Jamie Nelson & Roopa Sukumaran, Academic Advisers
Communications & Media Student Community

Our community hosted a study skills workshop on Wednesday March 11, 2009. The workshop was conducted by Dr. Leslie Bautista from the UCCS and was aimed at revisiting, revising, and reinforcing study skills and exam preparation habits. Of course, since we held it over the lunch hour, the event could not be a workshop alone; it featured the requisite pizza (several of them actually). It turned out to be a successfully interactive session, with students discussing some of their current habits and reflecting on them, while also seeking feedback from Dr. Bautista. The emphasis was on developing and honing active learning and active listening skills.

We hope to make this event (or some version of it, post some fine tuning) a regular feature within a bundle of other programs (such as Discussion Groups and Peer Panels) that the community plans to host in upcoming semesters.

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