What have the deans been up to? Eating pizza with students—and learning a lot!
The deans enjoy hosting “Lunch with the Deans” events, where 20 or so students can eat pizza and share their K-State experience with them. They've heard from first-gen students, women in STEM, recipients of ArtSci research and travel scholarships, and other ArtSci students. It’s a good deal all around—the students get some free pizza, and the deans get to hear their perspective!
What’s better than a free meal? For the deans, it’s hearing from students in their college about the experiences they’ve had during their time at K-State. One event featured a distinguished alumnus! Check out the quotes below for a glimpse into some of the discussions they've had over lunch.
Women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)
“It makes a difference to have female TA’s (Teaching Assistants) because I can see myself in that role and it’s more realistic to me. It’s one thing to see it on paper/hear about possibilities, but it’s another thing to see, meet, and talk to people who have achieved your goals in life.”
First-Generation students
“Culture shock is real. I came from a small town in Southwest Kansas and had culture shock—I can’t even imagine what it’s like for international students. I feel like it would have been much easier if I knew someone who was already familiar with K-State, who had already been through the motions—like a peer mentor.”
Lunch with Mr. Frank Meacham, alumnus
“An Arts and Sciences education gives you the foundationally diverse background to get wherever you want to go, and the tools from this well-rounded education are exactly what you need to build a successful career.”
Open to all ArtSci students
“A leadership or mentorship program among students would be very helpful. If we had older students helping freshmen/transfers/non-traditional students find the buildings, give helpful hints, develop friendships, etc., I think people would feel much more at home.”
“I’m really grateful that my department has the "How I Landed My Job" series where they bring in alumni to talk about their career path and things they did to get a job. This is really helpful, and I think all departments should have something similar!”
As you can see, we have bright students with great ideas in our college. Each lunch event leads to discussion about how to improve our college and the experience we give our students.
We plan to have two more Lunch with the Dean events during the fall semester: one focused on student wellness and one focused on first-generation students. We’re looking forward to continuing to learn from these events!