Posted: April 22, 2009

1. Fund a broader transfer scholarship program
2. Disseminate videos on time management, decision making
3. Give students opportunity to “work off” bursar balances through campus service.
4. Clarify future of Career Center and its role in arranging student co-ops and internships.

1. A writer proposed that the University consider funding a broader transfer scholarship program as a way to boost enrollment.
   
   The idea is currently being explored by the offices of Student Financial Aid, Admissions and Institutional Research, along with Noel Levitz, a nationally known enrollment-management consulting firm that has been working with BGSU.
   
   
2. A writer noted the grant-funded development of six videos on time management and decision making, accompanied by a PowerPoint presentation and self-assessment exercises, for “at risk” students. Currently under development with the help of students, the videos will be available by August to Student Affairs and Academic Affairs staff, and to faculty who wish to use them.
   
   Including students in the production of videos of this nature is an excellent idea, definitely warranting dissemination to the greater University community.
   
   
3. To help counter the problem of students being unable to register for classes because of holds placed on their accounts for money owed, a writer suggested both raising the threshold for amounts owed before imposing a hold and allowing students to perform work on campus to pay off their debts. This could help deal with some of the work currently not being done because of reduction of the campus work force while improving retention of students who otherwise might not be able to continue because of financial constraints. Campus offices could compile a list of jobs that need to be done.
   
   Raising the threshold on bursar accounts for holds is being explored and will most likely be implemented. The idea of allowing students to “work off” their balances is quite creative. It will need to be reviewed by the bursar’s office and student employment. It would require intense coordination between several campus offices.
   
   
4. A writer expressed concern about the future of the Career Center, noting that administrative staff jobs seem to be in jeopardy. Meanwhile, the president has focused on the importance of providing internships and co-ops for students—a key function of the center. When will plans be announced?
   
   There are no plans to eliminate Career Services and its programs. As with all institutional programs, it is critical at this time to review program and service focus, along with staffing focus. A task force on co-ops and internships, comprised of faculty and staff familiar with the programs, has reviewed the roles of working with these programs and is presenting its report now.

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