If you have visited the Dickinson State University campus in the past 6-9 months, you may have noticed change within the “College on the Hill.” The University has served the region for 100-years of education and community outreach. As we pass through our Centennial year, we must adapt to changing student demographics and needs to ensure that we are ready to offer the same strong educational programming moving into the next century of the institution’s existence. Part of these changes is necessary to make students feel at home on the DSU campus.
An enrollment survey conducted in 2017, which surveyed more than 200,000 students, found that the campus environment is the top reason students chose to enroll at an institution.[1] The campus environment includes both facilities and personal interactions.
Most prospective students make up their mind to attend an institution of higher learning within 15 minutes of arriving on a campus. Their decision is based largely on how the campus “feels” to them with regard to aesthetics and how students may view themselves using the various spaces while they live in their new “home” for the next four years. DSU has worked to strengthen both campus facilities and services to students.
Student services have been consolidated inside May Hall. Non-academic services are located on the first floor where 80-90% of questions may be answered in the new One Stop. Student academic services are located on the second floor of the building where advising, tutoring, and other programming is offered. Students no longer have to search through multiple buildings to find the services they need or find answers to their questions. Along with the physical changes in May Hall, new mobile software has been implemented to help guide our students in multiple ways. Among many features, this new software Navigate Mobile, sends “push notices” of important dates to students, reminds them of meetings, examinations, or other important events, and allows students to contact their advisors… all through their mobile phones. DSU has also instituted a Blue Hawk Safe mobile app, which allows students to be in contact with DSU Public Safety from any location. DSU was voted the safest campus in North Dakota last year, and our wish is to keep that moniker as we move forward.
There have also been facilities improvements underway. Upon my arrival three years ago, the Student Center, paid for and constructed using student fees, was populated by administrative offices in over 50% of its spacing. Students approached me and asked that the Student Center be returned to its original mission of serving students, and the University has been working diligently to fulfill this request. Working with community members, the University raised funds to renovate the old pool area into the Sanford Sports Facility. This site is designated for mixed use by campus groups and the greater Dickinson community.
The dilapidated workout room located in the corner of the Student Center has been renovated into the Blue Hawk Hub. This space has a small movie screen, pool table, comfortable furniture, and some appliances, which allow the students to plan multiple types of programming at all hours of the day. With regard to a workout room, students who live on the DSU campus receive a free pass to the West River Community Center. Nonresidential students receive a discount to use those facilities.
In early November, Odyssey Theatre approached DSU with a proposal to operate a temporary theater on the main floor within the Student Center. In a survey of campus members, we received an overwhelmingly positive response for this venture, especially among students. The theater opened in December and is currently serving the community and campus.
The University Store, now managed by Follett, is moving to a new and larger location at the front of the Student Center. Not only will there be more wonderful Blue Hawk apparel for everyone to view, this space will feature a convenience store for those quick snacks that help get you through the afternoon.
The student restaurant area has received both a physical facelift, and a change in operation. “The Perch” is now open 7 days a week, with food available all day! Student plans are designed so that students may enter the area whenever they wish, and eat at any time. This space also has an esports entertainment area. In the back is an area of this updated space, there are a variety of rotating games. The wish for this space is that it becomes a true gathering area for our students, going beyond the typical eatery. This is a space that students may visit if studying late into the evening, after an early morning practice or meeting, gathering with friends to relax and enjoy each other’s company, or many varied reasons. Feedback from students thus far has been quite positive.
Three of the top higher education issues listed nationally are enrollment stability, revenue security, and fiscal balance. Each of these areas is linked directly to student enrollment, retention and attainment (graduation). For DSU to remain a leader in higher education, it needs to continually assess what it is doing well, and where changes are required. We will continue to focus on ensuring that our students have a safe environment where they truly feel at home and wish to remain.
I would love to hear your feedback on the University’s updates. Stop by campus, have a look around, and come to my office to say hello and have a nice conversation.
Thank you, Dickinson, and have a great Holiday Season.
Sincerely,
Thomas Mitzel, President
Dickinson State University
Twitter: @mitzel_pres
Email: thomas.mitzel@dickinsonstate.edu
[1] https://www.eab.com/research-and-insights/facilities-forum/expert-insights/2018/iconic-campus-landscapes
