By Jack Davis · Contributing Writer
Grove City College hosted its first town hall meeting between students and college deans on Oct. 28.
The town hall gave students a chance to meet the deans in each department and ask any questions or discuss concerns. The event also hoped to foster greater connection between faculty and students.
Student Government Association worked with the deans to organize and host the event.
James Layden, senator of Academic Affairs, said the purpose of the town hall was to “help students get to know the deans,” with the “goal to facilitate communication” between students and deans.
Lisa Hosack, assistant dean for Alva J. Calderwood School of Arts and Letters, added that events like these also benefit the deans. According to Hosack, these events allow deans to understand students’ perspectives because they can hear about student experiences.
The framing of the town hall as a social event was no accident. According to Layden, it was designed to create a relaxed environment. That way, students felt comfortable speaking to the deans.
For Joshua Snyder, dean of Arthur A. Hopeman School of Science, the town hall is more than just a chance to meet students. He hopes to accomplish the mission of the college — a Christ-centered education — through academics by engaging with students on a personal level. By meeting students and understanding their perspective more completely, Snyder hopes he can further encourage students in this goal.
“It has to be events like (the town hall) … to accomplish the mission,” Snyder said.
Michelle McFeaters, dean of Winklevoss School of Business, added to this sentiment. According to her, connecting conversations between students and deans ultimately benefits students.
“Our goal is to help to prepare the next generation,” McFeaters said.
Peter Frank, provost and vice president of Academic Affairs, said he and all the deans are working toward “continuous improvements” to the college’s education. Dean duties include overseeing academics, hiring faculty and ensuring Grove City College meets accreditation standards.
“Both the department heads and deans work with faculty to get (students) to … understand to be a Christian in various disciplines,” Frank said.
According to Frank, students already have the chance to voice concerns and criticisms. Student evaluations are used to understand what challenges students are facing in each class. Some deans, such as McFeaters and Hosack, also teach classes at the college.
The town hall gave students a chance to speak face to face with deans in a relaxed setting.
Rebecca Froyd, a senior English major, came to the town hall out of curiosity. She found the town hall to be a positive experience. She described the atmosphere as pleasant, and she felt the deans were attentive during their conversations.
“I think providing a space for students to ask questions and engage is a good way to show care for the students,” Froyd said, before adding that she would come back to another.
