UW-Madison Interim Dean of Students Lori Berquam voiced her plan to reach out to every student on campus and to cater to varying student opinions as the next dean of students at a forum in the Red Gym Thursday night.
According to Berquam, one of the key roles of the dean of students is to ensure students are able to ""adjust, succeed and graduate."" She stressed the importance of having every student on campus connect with advisors and other students.
""Having students fall through the cracks is a tragedy,"" Berquam said. ""The unfortunate thing is that we don't know when that happens.""
One suggestion Berquam made to prevent students from being overlooked was to send out frequent e-mails to all students or to offer new technology that is less intimidating than meeting with advisors in person.
UW-Madison senior and Multicultural Student Coalition member Jennifer Knox wondered how Berquam would enhance diversity programs proactively.
Berquam said there was already a committee in place regarding issues of diversity and that she is waiting on them to see what more can be done. She said diversity is an ongoing crisis on campus that will continue to be discussed in the future.
""We have more progress to make; we need to look at what will the next plan be,"" Berquam said on Plan 2008.
Berquam also addressed the role she would play as the next dean regarding the issue of funding student organizations for off-campus meeting rental space.
""Similar to the chancellor, I would be regulated by Regent guidelines and rules,"" Berquam said. ""I think students should explore every avenue that would be available to them in terms of the rent and/or space issue.""
Berquam identified the new Student Activity Center as a possible solution to the issue of space, stressing the student role in managing how the meeting space will be split up amongst the 700-plus students organizations on campus.
For the second half of the forum, tables turned and Berquam was able to get student feedback. She started by asking students to share their overall experience at UW-Madison.
Berquam jotted down notes as MCSC executive staff member and UW-Madison senior Katrina Flores voiced concern for identity issues students can face on a decentralized campus, and the importance of assessing these issues.
In the past Berquam has connected to a variety of students by attending campus events such as dorm hall convocations. She also said she talks to graduate students on the experiences they have had while in school and what could have made their experience at UW-Madison better.
""There's a definite interest and passion I have for working one-on-one with students,"" Berquam said.
