Updates from the Staff Council:
* Follow-Up: In December, the Staff Council chair, along with the chair of the faculty, the president of SGA, and the chair of the Alumni Council, made presentations to the Board of Trustees regarding each constituency's "position" regarding the need-blind admission discussion. Here is the text of the position statement made by the Staff Council:
December 3, 2012
From: Staff Council
To: Grinnell College Board of Trustees
The Staff Council would like to thank the Admission and Student Financial Aid Committee and President Kington for the opportunity to be involved in the campus discussions regarding enrollment management strategies. The discussions have been informative, lively, and have illuminated many themes that resonate among staff.
The Council realizes that the College's current fiscal operations are unsustainable in the long term. To build a stronger, more dynamic and flexible institution, consideration must be given to how we can increase revenue while remaining committed to the ideals of the College. The Council acknowledges that while tuition revenues are an important piece of the financial picture, they are not the only source of revenue for the College. We encourage the Board to consider a broader discussion of diversifying revenue streams as it develops a well-rounded and inclusive plan for building a solid financial base.
For much of the Grinnell community, need-blind admission for domestic students and meeting 100% of demonstrated need for admitted students is a key part of the College's identity. To that end, the Council feels that as an institution, we must remain committed to maintaining a diverse student body profile, welcoming of students from all socio-economic backgrounds. However, it is not the desire of the staff to suggest specific policies be implemented by the Offices of Admission and Student Financial Aid. The Staff Council recommends that there is continued representation of staff on the Admission and Student Financial Aid Committee to help support the continuing work of the committee.
Standing with faculty, students, and alumni, the Staff Council supports the current policies of need-blind admission for domestic students and meeting 100% of demonstrated need for admitted students. The Council encourages the Offices of Admission and Student Financial Aid to be innovative in their strategies, and supports their work to increase average per student tuition revenue. With monitoring by and consultation with the Admission and Student Financial Aid Committee, the Council is confident that both the ideals of the College and the commitment to a diverse student body profile will be maintained.
At the upcoming Board of Trustees meeting, Raynard will make a statement on the need-blind admission discussion on behalf of the college administration.
* Reserve the date! The Spring Staff Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, March 27, from 12:00pm – 1:00pm somewhere on campus. Details aren't final, but we'll let you know when they are!
* The council would like to welcome Chinyere Ukabiala, the campus ombudsman! Chinyere began work on February 1, and we are very excited to have her here.
Admitted Student Program
The Office of Admission is gearing up for our first Admitted Student Program on Monday, March 4. This program is designed for our newly admitted students and their families to experience the Grinnell College community. We make every effort to present a thoughtful and comprehensive picture of the academic, co-curricular, and extracurricular opportunities available to our students.
During the Admitted Student Program, students are able to spend the night in one of the residence halls with a current student host, attend class, eat in the dining hall, and take a tour of campus. We also offer a variety of informational sessions featuring faculty, staff and current students.
We rely on the entire college community to make the Admitted Student Program a success. We could not offer these programs without great cooperation and flexibility from all staff, faculty and current students. We would like to thank the entire Grinnell College community for generously hosting our newly admitted students and their families!
This Admitted Student Program is coordinated by Jennifer Hirsch, Coordinator of Campus Visits and Events, with a great deal of help from the rest of the Admission staff. We are always looking to further refine the program and welcome any questions or suggestions for the programs. Please contact Jennifer Hirsch (otottjen) with questions and comments.
25% off Bestselling Books and 30% Off Selected Hardback Fiction
at the Pioneer Bookshop
Did you know that you can get 25% off the bestselling list of books at both the College Bookstore and the Pioneer Bookshop every day? We always have both paperback and hardback bestsellers, sometimes "hot off the press". Right now, at the Pioneer Bookshop, we have a large table of hardback fiction on sale for 30% off. A book can be a nice way to remember your sweetheart on Valentines Day.
Grinnell Connect
The following is a message from the Grinnell Chamber of Commerce:
Our efforts focus on connecting new and long-standing residents through social, civic, charitable and professional activities.
If you live and/or work in the Grinnell area, this is the group for you! Get updates on fun events and activities in the community and have a built-in group of friends to attend those things with.
Membership is free and open to all, to join send an email to chamber@getintogrinnell.com or find our group on Facebook!
