Themes Sorted by Prompt: I Like...
I like...
Top themes, in rank order by number of mentions.
1. The Strategy: Appreciation for the strategy itself and the process that created it.
Column C in the spreadsheet
Representative Comments
- I like that we are choosing to follow a differentiating strategy vs. a cost strategy.
- I like the whole process—WMU is doing this the right way. Thank you!
- The bottom-up development of this
- I like this is a top-down initiative.
- Acknowledgement that there is no “one way”
- I like facing hard truths head on.
- I like the vision and the way it was developed.
- I like the frequent town halls.
- Keep going with Think Big.
- The message feels real and appealing.
- I like the student focus on the message.
2. Mental Health Focus: Emphasis on mental health and in particular our new approach to intake and stepped care.
Column B in the spreadsheet
Representative Comments
- Student mental health in the forefront
- Stepped care model for mental health
- The unique approach student affairs is taking by implementing stepped care
- I like the idea of intake counselors.
- Emphasis on mental health. It is very much needed.
3. Whole-Student Focus: The holistic student approach and meeting students where there are
Column E in the spreadsheet
Representative Comments
- I like focusing on the ‘whole’ student.
- I like that students are at the center of this plan.
- Meeting students where they’re at
- I like that we are talking about our commitments and promises to students.
- I like empowering students.
- Allowing students to be who they are
4. University College: The university college concept, especially meta majors, making major-changing easier, and providing non-linear college paths
Column A in the spreadsheet
Representative Comments
- Like…The idea of University College and flexible pathways.
- I love…Yes to meta-majors
- Meta majors sounds smart!
- I love… advising and coordinated care!!
- I like the focus on evolving students’ interests and flexibility toward their career options and choices!
- Helping students change paths
- Supporting non-sequential degree seekers
- I like the ability of students to change majors without as many hurdles.
- Non-linear path is wonderful
5. Wellbeing: The importance of wellbeing for creating a holistic experience and its connection to learning
Column D in the spreadsheet
Representative Comments
- Like Wellness. “Well people work better.”
- Wellness mind, body, soul
- Love individualized wellness plans
- I like the idea of student wellness, recognizing that it’s critical to learning.
- Like that wellness is becoming a priority in the big picture
- Wellness for students, staff, faculty, adm.
- I like that wellness is now being thought of as a top priority.
6. Flexibility: The focus on being flexible and responsive to students’ evolving needs throughout their college experience
Column I in the spreadsheet
Representative Comments
- I like that we acknowledge that students’ journeys are not sequential.
- Helping/supporting students change majors
- I like the flexible, customizable approach.
7. Commitment to Culture Change: The commitment to change our culture in order to serve students most effectively
Column N in the spreadsheet
Representative Comments
- Commitment from senior leadership
- I like the acknowledgment that we need a culture shift.
- I like focus on culture. Humility. Care about students.
- That I heard the phrase “bureaucracy busting”
- I like how we must hold ourselves accountable if we want to be relevant.
- Change is hard but have to take leap
8. Collaboration and Engagement: The collaborative, inclusive and rigorous nature of the process
Column AD in the spreadsheet
Representative Comments
- I like that stakeholders will play a role in change.
- How excited people are
- Listening. To students. To each other.
- I like that this is bringing WMU together.
- I like that so much thought and effort has gone into Think Big.
- I like how everyone is getting together to help solve this.
9. Strengths: Appreciation for focusing on Gallup Strengths as a framework for students to assess where they may most likely succeed.
Column F in the spreadsheet
Representative Comments
- Like Gallup Strengths at orientation
- Like incorporation of strengths
- Focus on Strengths
- I like strengths for all. I have questions.
- I like the idea of using current ‘success’ programs and expanding them.
10. Willingness to Change: The willingness to change, try something new and pursue an ambitious goal
Column Z in the spreadsheet
Representative Comments
- That we are willing to change and striving to do so
- I like we are being proactive and not settling for just ok.
- I like that this is an ambitious undertaking.
- I like that the effort to do this exists—someone wants to do this.
- Having the hard conversations
- Administration’s enthusiasm
11. Career Focus The focus on career and resumé building from day one
Column R in the spreadsheet
Representative Comments
- More intentional focus on skills within the context of career, not just major choice
- I like the career from day one concept.
- Focus on resumé building
- Resumé building from the start
- I like career readiness aspect