As the fall semester nears its close, Concordia freshmen were invited to share insights, opinions and recommendations at the Freshman Feedback Sessions. The sessions, hosted by Concordia University President, Dr. Michael Thomas and his wife Kim Thomas, were held on Tues., Nov. 5 and Wed., Nov. 6 to maximize student turnout and collect as much feedback as possible.

“In partnership with the President, Dean of Students, and Associate Dean of Student Success, the First-Year Experience team thought that the feedback sessions would be a good way to hear from our new students about their experiences,” Jessica James, Assistant Director of Orientation and Student Activities, said. 

In the past, the Freshman Feedback Sessions were held during the Week of Welcome, but in order to generate more productive conversation, the event has since been moved to later in the semester, when students have had time to acclimate to college life. At the sessions, students were given the opportunity to voice their opinions and be heard by university leaders. “It is a key opportunity for students to make an impact on their campus and direct their concerns through the appropriate channel of advocacy,” James said. 

PAL Coordinator Elise Schult assisted in publicizing the Feedback Sessions to raise student awareness of the event. “These sessions are needed as Concordia is always trying to improve the first-year experience that students have,” Schult said. “These sessions give an opportunity [for] Concordia staff so they know what to improve going forward. It is also helpful to know what went well so we can continue to strive for those experiences.” 

At the Feedback Session on Tues., Nov. 5, participating freshmen asked questions about dorm regulations including AC units and kitchen appliances, expressed interest in the campus construction projects and offered suggestions for creating practical INT 100 assignments.

Bodie Meyer zu Drewer, a freshman in attendance at the Tuesday evening session, said he was glad that he came to the event. “There wasn’t any pressure to say anything in particular,” Meyer zu Drewer said, “It was a very open discussion.”

Other freshmen attendees were impressed with the level of approachability and the ease of communication with Concordia’s executive members. “I’m glad I came because I could see how invested Dr. Thomas is in all aspects of the school,” Chloe Proctor said. “It was [also] lovely to have different admin from around the school coming to talk with us one-on-one after the session.” 

“It was nice to stay informed and the President was very realistic with his answers,” freshman Carissa Moll said. While listening to freshmen input, Thomas offered explanations regarding Concordia’s distinctive Core curriculum, current construction timelines, INT objectives among other topics deemed important to Concordia students.

Concordia faculty, staff and administration have many reasons for holding the Freshman Feedback Sessions, but its primary purpose is to make college a positive, memorable and meaningful experience for first-year students. “It is pretty rare for a university to host something like this,” James said. “We want to be doing work that aligns with the wants of students and the best way to get that information is to ask them!” 

Missed the Feedback Sessions? Don’t worry! Ask friends and classmates about their key takeaways, bring additional feedback to the ASCUI Executives and Senate representatives or get in contact with the Office of Orientation and First-Year Experience in the Center for Student Leadership & Development. 

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