UW-Madison students will have a different way to become acquainted with Dean of Students Luoluo Hong this semester. For one hour each week students will set the agenda, as Hong will answer questions and address pertinent topics during a live radio call-in show on WSUM.
\Whatever issues arise here on campus that the dean of students has her hand in, we'll be talking about on the show,"" Katie Harbath, moderator for the show and UW-Madison senior, said. ""It's her way of trying a different medium to get to talk to students and to talk to as many students as possible. She really wants to get a feel for what students want.""
Drinking, campus climate and university budgets are some subjects that Hong plans to address, according to Harbath.
Additionally, Harbath said the show will allow students to become familiar with Hong, who came to UW-Madison in November.
""We'll talk about her a little bit so that people can get to know her,"" Harbath said.
But Hong said she wants the chance to get to know students as well.
""I think it's important for the dean to be in constant communication with a broad range of student constituencies in order to remain aware of current issues [and] concerns,"" she said.
The format of the show will be conversation between Hong and Harbath with student calls answered and aired anytime during the program, according to Harbath.
Hong inquired about having this type of weekly show after she was a guest on Harbath's program, ""Page One,"" in November, Harbath said.
Hong said students should anticipate results following discussion each show.
""By having [the show] weekly, it will allow students to check in and get follow up on issues that are raised on the show at earlier times,"" Hong said. ""I don't want this to simply be a situation where there is a lot of talk but no follow up.""
The program is unique because it is the first show since WSUM has been on the FM dial to feature a dean on a weekly basis, according to WSUM Station Manager and UW-Madison senior Letaurius Robinson.
""I think that students will enjoy it because they get a chance to interact with the dean. Usually, deans are so hard to access,"" Robinson said.
If the show is successful, Hong said she plans to continue it next fall.
The show, currently without a title, begins Jan. 27 and will air each Monday from 5 to 6 p.m.
