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鈥擶MU 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 鈥渙ne way鈥
  • 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 鈥榳hole鈥 student.
  • I like that students are at the center of this plan.
  • Meeting students where they鈥檙e 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鈥he idea of University College and flexible pathways.
  • I love鈥es to meta-majors
  • Meta majors sounds smart!
  • I love鈥 advising and coordinated care!!
  • I like the focus on evolving students鈥 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. 鈥淲ell people work better.鈥
  • Wellness mind, body, soul
  • Love individualized wellness plans
  • I like the idea of student wellness, recognizing that it鈥檚 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鈥 evolving needs throughout their college experience  

Column I in the spreadsheet

Representative Comments

  • I like that we acknowledge that students鈥 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 鈥渂ureaucracy busting鈥
  • 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 鈥榮uccess鈥 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鈥攕omeone wants to do this.
  • Having the hard conversations
  • Administration鈥檚 enthusiasm

 

11. Career Focus The focus on career and resum茅 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 resum茅 building
  • Resum茅 building from the start
  • I like career readiness aspect