Enrollment Management
The online application continues to be improved, as part of the larger Constituent Relations Management (CRM) implementation. The re-designed application is easier to fill out and looks more professional. It also will result in a quicker turnaround of admissions decisions. Next steps include implementation of an enrollment decision module and development of personalized communication streams.
The Enrollment Management departments (Financial Aid/Scholarships, Records and Registration, Admissions, and Student Employment) have significant customer service roles. To better serve EWU students, the unit will be bringing on a customer service training program. This training will complement the improvements already being implemented.
Winter quarter is well underway with $35 million in aid disbursed already.
Financial Aid staff conducted high school outreach/information sessions for parents and students at six high schools. Approximately 200 parents and students were in attendance.
Records and Registration automated several processes related to course repeat credit and pre-requisites to speed student registration, ensure timely and accurate records, and enhance student preparation for upper division coursework.
Student Life
The PUB Renovation Project pre-design process has commenced. Architect Perkins+Will was on campus Jan. 9-10 for the first series of workshops with students and departments to discuss priorities and design elements. In addition, a student survey launched the first week in January to solicit student feedback. Students will vote on a fee to support the project in early May and an update to the Board of Trustees is scheduled for the May 15 meeting.
A new series of “Parent/Family Connection Nights” kicks off this month. New Student Transitions and Parent Programs (NSTPP) will host three events in Seattle, Yakima, and Cheney during the months of January and February, designed to help parents/families of current students build EWU connections in their local communities and facilitate student retention. Each PFC Night will showcase a panel of EWU students who will address topics including academics, student involvement, and career planning. For more information, the Winter 2014 Parent and Family newsletter is available online: web.ewu.edu/groups/urmgr/eblasts/ParentFamilyNewsletter/Winter14/email.html
Health, Wellness and Prevention Services launched the annual education campaign about flu prevention/treatment. All students received a letter regarding the availability of flu vaccines as well as information regarding how to avoid/treat the flu and where to seek assistance as needed. Table tents, posters, and other resources will be disseminated widely throughout the season.
With Africana Studies Program, SAIL (Student Activities, Leadership and Involvement) will co-sponsor a visit from western regional NAACP President Gerald Hankerson in February. Mr. Hakerson will guest lecture in Africana Studies classes on Feb. 12 and serve as the featured speaker in SAIL Leadership’s “Conversations that Matter” program.
ASEWU co-sponsored the DREAM Act Rally with MEChA on Jan. 9. The successful rally was designed to educate the campus community about the DREAM Act and how it affects EWU students. The event was covered by local media.
EWU will host the 5th annual NC3 (Northwest Collegiate Climbing Circuit) Competition Jan. 25. Last year, more than 185 participants from twelve Northwest schools—including UW, Central Washington U., Western Washington U., Oregon State, U. of Oregon, U. of Idaho, and many others—participated in this event, which is one of the largest collegiate competitive series of its kind in the country.
Kevin Hills, Disabilities Support Services Director, appointed to newly-formed Spokane County Accessible Communities Advisory Committee. Washington State’s 2010 Accessible Communities Act gave counties the authority to form advisory committees in order to improve awareness, inclusion, and access for people who have disabilities. Kevin is one of 15 members selected for their knowledge and expertise in these topics. Committee members represent a range of disabilities and will work to remove barriers to access throughout Washington State.
Housing and Residential Life
588 students living on campus were on the Dean’s List from Fall Quarter. This is an increase of 52% over last year.
Facility improvements continued, with Pearce Hall now enjoying renovated restrooms and a very nice main lounge/kitchen and social area. The front desks to Pearce and Dressler also received a makeover, which improves staff workspace, student access, and visibility of the lobby for security.
Career Services
On April 25, Microsoft Women in IT are sponsoring 40 EWU students to travel to Redmond to attend a seminar on technical interviewing. Female computer science students are the primary target, but men will be included as well. Transportation and meals are being provided by Microsoft.
The Career Mentoring Program is officially underway with nine mentoring groups in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Visual Communication Design and Business. Eight of the nine mentors are EWU alumni.
The Partnership in Employment Career Fair takes place February 26 at the Spokane Convention Center. This is the 20th year of this joint partnership event between EWU, Gonzaga University, Whitworth University and WSU-Spokane.
Veterans Resource Center
EWU continues to receive recognition for its support of military and veteran students. For the 5th consecutive year, we were selected by G.I. Jobs as one of the top 15% of schools nationwide. For the first time, Military Advanced Education (MAE), recognized Eastern Washington University as a top military/veteran-friendly school in their 2014 Guide to Military/Veteran-Friendly Colleges & Universities.
