The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

Guest opinion: Student voices make a difference at UI

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Student voices make a difference at UI

When we hear from students, it helps us make the university a better place for everyone. In recent years, after listening to students, we’ve found better ways to schedule final exams, streamline the drop and add process, improve food-service programs in the residence halls, and create more and better spaces to study on campus.

One recent concern we’ve heard from many students is the need for extra help in challenging classes. Now, hundreds of students benefit from the Academic Resource Center (uc.uiowa.edu/student-success/arc), which offers free supplemental instruction for many classes. Tutor Iowa also offers  a directory of Help Labs offering academic support in departments throughout campus (tutor.uiowa.edu/find-help/help-labs) and a tutor-referral service when students need one-on-one help (tutor.uiowa.edu).

Two years ago, we conducted a campus-wide survey of all undergraduates and learned important things about student perspectives on financial concerns and the effects of working, campus climate for diversity, commitments to community service, and levels of satisfaction and interaction with faculty (see uiowa.edu/seru/students).

This semester, we’re asking UI undergraduates to tell us more. In the days and weeks ahead, students will receive email invitations to take a survey about their UI experience. This survey is an open invitation to tell us what has been working well — and not so well — for UI undergraduates.

We already know that faculty are working hard to help students succeed and challenge them to excel.  Survey responses will tell us more about how students experience classes and majors and ways we might be able to improve our support for success and the success of future students.

We already know many students are balancing work, family, and other commitments alongside academics, and we know many are concerned about the high cost of college. Survey responses will tell us more about how these concerns affect academic and personal lives and the sacrifices some students and their families make for their education.

We already know a great many students are actively engaged on campus and throughout the community. Survey responses will tell us more about how that engagement enriches the educational experience and also what kinds of things are keeping others from feeling as welcome and connected here.

Past surveys have confirmed something we already see every day: There’s a lot of Hawkeye pride here, and even as students tell us how we can improve the university, most are also telling us how glad they are to be here. The UI is a great place, and when we hear from students, we can keep making it better.

We want all student voices to be heard so we can be sure survey results represent undergraduate perspectives and experiences as thoroughly as possible. To make sure your voice is heard, go to http://www.uiowa.edu/seru/tell-us and tell us what you think.

Lon Moeller, associate provost for Undergraduate Education
Tom Rocklin, vice president for Student Life

 

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