Clearing up a misconception

I recently received feedback from a student questioning the priorities Norwich places on student needs. Before specifically responding to this comment, I would like to say that I always welcome input from students as well as from everyone in the Norwich community.  One of our goals as a university is to constantly improve communication. Your feedback is extremely important in achieving this objective.

The concern expressed to me was that it appears lately the civilian student population has received more of the university's attention than the Corps of Cadets.

I would like to start by saying that the needs of the entire undergraduate population are a priority to Norwich.

As you know, decisions made at Norwich are based on our strategic document NU2019, which was approved by our Board of Trustees in May of 2004. NU2019 dictates that everything we do in student life, which includes both lifestyles, we do for the development of students. Using this guidance, Norwich works to address the needs of all students.

I believe that a misconception about priorities stems from the construction of South Hall.
The need for this dormitory was specifically addressed in NU2019, which states: "We need to strengthen our residential community for traditional undergraduate students and provide a vibrant residential experience. In doing so we seek to strengthen students' character, build leadership skills, develop a sense of pride, and instill a sense of community." 

NU2019 directs that our 2019 goal be to have 1,250 residential cadets on the Upper Parade Ground and 750 residential civilians in a civilian quad.

South Hall represents the first phase of achieving this objective.  However, it is important to note that construction of the new dormitory did not come at the expense of Corps housing. Over the last 10 years Norwich has spent more money renovating the barracks than was spent building South Hall.

In addition to meeting the needs of the civilian population, Norwich continues to dedicate resources to the Corps of Cadets. 

For example, we recently purchased new furniture for two barracks which will be delivered this summer. We will also renovate Gerald Hall this summer and have completed an upgrade for a  new lounge in Dodge Hall. 

Other financial commitments made to the Corps include increasing the budget for sophomore training by $70,000. The university paid about $40,000 for materials for the new obstacle course, which will be built by the Marine Reserve unit this summer also. 
We have also purchased and issued at no cost to students new jackets for the regiment, put money aside to renovate all the locker rooms in Andrews Hall this summer, and increased the budget for the Freshman Green Mountain experience by $15,000.

Norwich will continually to work towards Alden Partridge's vision of thriving as a learning community dedicated to knowledge, mutual respect, creativity and service. During this process, new student needs will arise.  Rest assured that Norwich will always strive to treat both the Corps and civilian populations fairly as we meet these requirements.  We are all part of one University, and we want every student to have a great Norwich experience.