This Monday, the living room of Cutter-Shabazz Hall became the site of a lively, freewheeling discussion between students and College President Jim Yong Kim on the topics of racial and socioeconomic diversity at Dartmouth ("Kim reacts to student criticism of diversity," Feb. 8). Students from all corners of campus passionately shared their personal experiences with diversity and challenged Kim to identify tangible improvements made under his administration.
Two days later, in Silsby Hall, the open forum that was supposed to solicit student input concerning the permanent dean of the College search was a bleak scene: Approximately 15 students showed up for the discussion ("Search committee for new dean seeks input," Feb. 10). After more than 600 students signed an electronic petition calling for greater transparency and student involvement in the dean search process several weeks ago, the forum's poor attendance was both disappointing and difficult to understand. The College has reached out to students in a genuine effort to understand their suggestions regarding the next dean but students have not followed through with an active and enthusiastic response.
Although this Editorial Board previously suggested that apathy was responsible for students' disinterest in administrative actions, the diversity forum illustrated that there are students ready and willing to speak out about administrative issues that affect their lives. The discrepancy between the attendance rates at the diversity and dean search forums suggests that, unfortunately, students do not fully understand the connection between the dean of the College position and student life. Anyone who spoke passionately at the diversity forum should have also been speaking at the dean search forum two days later.
The dean of the College, who is responsible for a large number of organizations and initiatives related to the quality of student life, sets the College's priorities for improvements to the student experience. For example, in her tenure as acting dean of the College, Sylvia Spears initiated the First Year Student Enrichment Program for first generation college students, worked to improve the advising system and led programs to address alcohol abuse and sexual assault on campus.
Students at the diversity forum voiced concerns about a disconnect between the highest levels of the administration and the student body, the lack of sufficient support systems for minority students, the dearth of alternatives to the Greek system and the need for advisors who foster diversity and inclusivity. All of these issues will fall at least partially under the purview of the next dean of the College. Finding a candidate who understands these concerns and brings new, dynamic ideas to address them is crucial to realizing the improvements that the diversity forum attendees want to see.
It is admirable that the students at the diversity forum came out in droves to raise awareness of issues about which they feel passionately. However, if these students, and others with concerns about student life at Dartmouth, want to see real changes, they should make an effort to define and vocalize their visions for the next dean of the College.
