Processes (P)

3P2 Building and Maintaining Relationships

Western builds and maintains student relationships through a vital and interconnected set of communication and support activities, events, services, and organizations (1C2, 1P10).

For example, the Non-Traditional Student Center provides an environment and a network of communication and support for students. Students give feedback to the director. They also complete the Noel-Levitz adult learning survey and the College Student Inventory (CSI), which provides direction for programming and immediate follow-up with students.

That Western has a strong student focus is exemplified in the variety of student organizations. The Center for Student Engagement was created specifically to unify the various student clubs and organizations and to provide space for them to meet, interact, plan and provide feedback to the institution.

Western’s support activities create a sense of belonging for students, beginning with recruitment and admissions, orientation through advising, and registration. Feedback from the recent recruitment and retention reviews has led to a significant change in how Western builds and maintains relationships with current and potential students. For example, academic departments now actively engage in campus visit days throughout the year, meeting with prospective students and parents. Faculty continues to be involved during orientation and registration and follow-up through direct email communication with incoming students.

In response to feedback from alumni, an Alumni Student Outreach Committee was created to develop a stronger connection between alumni and current students. Activities initiated as a result of the committee’s work include creative career presentations and an innovative mentoring program. Alumni also actively engage in providing applied learning opportunities, including practica and internships, for Western’s students.