Collegiate Times

Just before Thanksgiving Break, I spent two hours interacting with a group of students who chose to meet with me during my second “The VP is In” session. Here’s a capsule summary of what was on their minds that day.

1) Why not a 24-hour study facility? Some pointed out that we already have this at the Math Emporium (although transportation to and from, for some, during the early morning hours might be needed). Others noted that Torgersen Hall almost serves this purpose; they reported that some rooms there appear to be available until at least 5 a.m.

We bantered about the feasibility of keeping the library or D2 open 24 hours, but the consensus was that Torgersen was more central and that in this time of budget cuts, it did not make sense to increase staffing and utility costs by keeping another facility open.

2) Why not a 24-hour food facility? I explained that we already have Dining Services facilities that open as early as 7 a.m. (e.g., D2) and stay open as late as 2 a.m. (e.g., DXpress). My impression is that most students find these hours sufficient and, if not, “stock up” to cover any anticipated 2 a.m. to 7 a.m. needs. The students present agreed and again suggested that this was not the time to be adding operational costs.

3) Do we have a say in what classes are cut? Actually, yes, because departments try to respond with “supply” based on your “demand.” After you submit your course requests for the next semester, the Registrar and the academic departments do an analysis of the requests and try to add or delete courses and sections in response to the pattern of requests. As always, if there are concerns about the need for a particular course, I encourage you to make these known to the appropriate department head.

4) What will be the impact of budget reductions on classes? By necessity, I believe that we will have to see some larger sections and some courses not offered as frequently.

However, I know from discussions with the college deans that to stave off some of this, we are also looking at alternative class formats such as more online offerings and “hybrid courses,” which involve less frequent actual class meetings and more use of virtual technology and out of classroom experiences.

5) Will we see other impacts of budget reductions? Sure, there will inevitably be other impacts as we look at the potential need to reduce hours and/or days of operation in our various facilities.

While we are trying to avoid this, some reductions may be necessary. If you have suggestions on ways to reduce costs and/or generate new revenue, I encourage you to let the appropriate department head know. If you do not know whom to contact, send your suggestions to me (espencer@vt.edu), and I will get them to the appropriate official.

We discussed a variety of other issues, such as changes in student football ticket procedures over the years, concerns that the hours of some downtown Blacksburg stores are not very student-friendly, and ideas about a Spring Forum for students with university officials.
It was also reassuring to hear that the Student Government Association already has 65 undergraduates signed up to participate in “Hokie Day” with the General Assembly in Richmond in February and expects a strong group of graduate students to join them as well.

My thanks to the students who joined me before the break. Good luck to all on your upcoming finals. See you around the campus!