the proposed reorganization<\/a> of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences was very controversial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cThis is something where our conversations and discussions have gotten better over time,\u201d Arnesdorf said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Arnesdorf explained that in the spring there was a lot of surprise and anger when the topic was initially brought up, but she emphasized this is merely an administrative restructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou will not be negatively impacted by this at all,\u201d Arnesdorf said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reorganization could even lead to more options for students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThose programs coming together under one unit might create some synergistic opportunities for a new major and minor, perhaps a graduate program in some unique areas,\u201d Arnesdorf said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Arnesdorf also addressed concerns that the restructuring would lead to a loss of faculty members. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis is not a way to cut programs or cut people,\u201d Arnesdorf said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A lot of the motivation to complete this restructuring comes from an underlying threat from the Kansas Board of Regents. This restructuring gives the university a chance to reorganize itself before it would be forcefully required to do so by KBOR. However, Mason wanted to remind students to focus on the benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEven without external threats, thinking innovatively and creatively is really what this is about,\u201d Mason said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nothing is finalized yet, though, as three levels of approval must be met by the Kansas Board of Regents. It will be December before anything is approved by the board and changes would not go into effect until the next academic year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Diversity was discussed in a few different ways during the forum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
First, LGBTQ+ inclusivity was addressed. Stanley talked about the resolution of support passed last spring for all faculty and staff to use students\u2019 preferred pronouns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat\u2019s a very basic way that we can support our students,\u201d Stanley said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Student Government Association is not currently voting on any bills or resolutions regarding the LGBTQ+ community, but Stanley encourages students to bring forward any concerns they may have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf you see something that\u2019s not right, please speak up, because we want to solve the issues and continue to develop an engaging student environment that we\u2019re really proud of,\u201d Arnesdorf said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In terms of ethnic diversity, Arnesdorf discussed the Hispanic College Institute event held each summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This event is targeted toward first-generation Hispanic college students and walks them through the college admissions process – helping them fill out their FAFSA and providing them with scholarship opportunities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Byer mentioned the importance of faculty diversity in boosting student engagement in the classroom. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhen you see someone like you, you\u2019re more willing to join that effort,\u201d Byer said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Open positions at the university are marketed to a wide variety of sources, including publications like the Chronicle of Higher Education, to cast a wide net for applicants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat\u2019s an example of something we\u2019ve invested resources into at the university to expand our pool so that we can have more faculty and staff diversity here on campus,\u201d Arnesdorf said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other items discussed included:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Efforts to raise student worker pay<\/li> Reduction in the number of general education hours required to graduate<\/li> University Marketing and Communication strategies<\/li> Recruitment strategies <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nThe full forum can be viewed on YouTube. <\/p>\n\n\n\n