The NEASC self-study and the Noel-Levitz survey are two examples of tools we use to evaluate the uni

A large number of students, as well as faculty and staff members, took the time to complete the Civilian Blue Ribbon Committee's online survey during the past two weeks. This is a very important data collection effort. We are constantly assessing what we do at Norwich and looking for ways to improve the institution.

The NEASC self-study and the Noel-Levitz survey are two examples of tools we use to evaluate the university. The Corps and Civilian Blue Ribbon Committees were formed as a result of campus climate and customer service evaluations performed at Norwich in 2009.

The Blue Ribbon Committee (BRC) survey was designed to help shed light on the issue of how effectively Norwich University is fulfilling its mission of providing citizens, scholars and leaders - men and women of character - to the nation. This assessment will help us to determine if the Norwich Guiding Values are clearly articulated and understood by the student body. It will also gauge the commitment of the student body to maintain honor and integrity to uphold the standards of the university. The BRC hopes to learn if the Articulation of the Civilian/Commuter Vision in the NU2019 Student Life Out Report is appropriate for Norwich; and determine the practices, traditions and folklore within the student body and across the university that impact the learning and inculcation of the Guiding Values.

Once information is collected and analyzed, a report will be generated by the committee which will be shared with the entire Norwich community. In addition, the BRC will develop an action plan to address issues raised in the survey.

During our recent student Open Forum some of you expressed campus concerns. One issue involved broken laundry machines in some of the dormitories - specifically dryers in Ransom Hall. These machines are heavily used, and occasionally they need to be repaired. Students are encouraged to call the toll-free number on the machines any time they find them broken, or go online to report problems. The contractor will respond within a few days. If, for some reason, the contractor does not respond, please contact Facilities Operations.

A second issue raised at the forum was that of clocks in classrooms being set at different times. The Facilities Operations staff routinely reset clocks after power outages. Unfortunately, there have been a few power outages lately. It is quite possible that they have missed resetting some clocks. The situation has been brought to the attention of Facilities Operations, and it is being addressed.

A third concern expressed was that of certain commuter students not having campus mailboxes. Currently, there are 51 commuter students who requested and were given mailboxes. Any commuter student who asked for a mailbox received one after the resident students were accommodated. We presently have approximately 180 empty mailboxes available for commuter students. Please contact the mailroom to make arrangements to secure one.

Several department heads will be meeting this week to address other issues raised at the student forum, including communications strategies, the ability to use Cadet Cash cards in vending machines around campus and the maintenance of printers in the computer labs.

Spring break is quickly approaching. I hope everyone relaxes, enjoys their time away from their studies, and comes back to campus recharged and ready for the final push to the end of the semester.