The Wolfpack community helps students adjust to life away from home by offering opportunities to foster a sense of belonging with faculty. With “Dr. Scott’s Open Door” sessions, Doneka R. Scott attempts to bridge the gap in relationships between University leadership and students.
Scott, vice chancellor for the Division of Academic and Student Affairs and the dean of University College, hosts monthly one hour office sessions designed for students, undergraduate and graduate, to express their concerns, ideas and thoughts. Meetings take place at Scott’s office, which is found on the third floor of Parks Shops on North Campus.
Tearing down the barrier between students and University leadership is what the program aims to accomplish.
“I try to forge relationships with our students so that I can try to understand the student experience,” Scott said. “You know, I realize that students often feel disconnected from the decision makers, the administration leadership on campus. I wanted to have this space for students and meeting them, where they’re comfortable. Doing that really ensures that our students’ voices are heard directly by senior leadership and to gain a better understanding of what they’re experiencing on campus.”
Any topic, question or concern is heard by Scott, she wants to hear students’ experiences to better understand the student perspective experiencing university.
“It is really dependent on students and their needs, so they bring up a wide variety range of topics, from academic concerns like course availability or advising,” Scott said. “Then there are also personal issues, mental health or housing or things they are just going on in their lives. Some students come with ideas for improving campus services. It’s campus support. Others share their experiences as they navigate student life. There are also discussions about how the University could continue to create a welcoming environment for all.”
Meeting a University leader for the first time usually comes with apprehension because the faculty’s title means business. Feeling the need to remain professional and serious as if completing an interview is not what Scott’s office is for and representative of. Struggling to connect with faculty is not an uncommon challenge, but working through it is important to create and maintain relationships beyond the student level.
“If a student is hesitant or a little scared, I’d encourage them to just come anyway and to give it a try,” Scott said. “There’s no pressure to have a specific agenda. There’s no pressure to have a specific agenda. There’s no pressure to have a question or to know exactly what to say. I’m just here to listen, and the space is open for any topics. It can be big. It can be small.”
Zack Herman, a third-year student studying business administration, enjoyed hearing the informality the event offers, making him feel relaxed like he’s talking to a friend.
“I just think that people get so overstimulated with figuring out school, figuring out life, jobs, careers, etc.,” Herman said. “And if you’re going in there and you feel like you’re talking to someone that’s not labeled as your professor or as your advisor. It’s like going to talk to another person that’s going through life. I think that it makes it a lot more comfortable and easy to talk to.”
As vice chancellor and dean, part of Scott’s role includes helping every student successfully graduate in a timely manner. This aligns with DASA’s goal of equipping “students with the tools they need to succeed academically, professionally and personally,” which is why a student can make an appointment with Dr. Scott outside the event. Of course a student must utilize their assigned academic advisor to release the advising hold before class enrollment, however, the sole route is not entirely desired by all students.
“It’s an opportunity to really connect, not just hear concerns, but to have a positive experience with positive ideas, with someone who works at the institution, who can inform and impact the student experience,” Scott said.
All in all, Dr. Scott is a student advocate and encourages attendance from all students because their contribution will help shape the direction of the university for future generations. The community’s voice matters and with this unique platform, voices will not go unheard. The next “Dr. Scott Open Door” session happens next Wednesday, Sept. 25 from 3:15 to 4 p.m. Make sure to check out the remaining fall semester dates on the university calendar website.
