Valparaiso University Summit October 30, 2009

Scribe Notes

Task Force on Belonging and Engagement

Process Questions:

1. How do we create a community of belonging and engagement for alumni and University guests?

2. Please review the draft goals from our task force meetings and prioritize them

in order of importance.

1. Strengthen the relationship with and enhance the connections between alumni and the university community for the benefit of both

2. Enhance faculty/staff sense of well-being, commitment, worth, and pride in the university.

3. Enhance the interaction among constituent groups 4. Increase active participation of all constituents in the life of the

campus. 5. Strengthen the relationship with and connections between campus(es)

and the broader communities. 6. Enhance students’ sense of well-being, commitment, worth, and pride

in the university. 7. Strengthen and build on the residential undergraduate character to

become a hub for expanding domestic and global educational opportunities.

8. Create an environment in which people from diverse backgrounds have a sense of well-being, commitment, worth, and pride in the university.

9. Increase service commitment of all constituents to church and society. 10. Enhance the Lutheran character of the institution by emphasizing

vocation, service, and the common pursuit of truth in dialogue with people from diverse backgrounds and faith traditions.

Scribe Notes: REFECTORY BREAK OUT SESSIONS Task Force on Belonging & Engagement Refectory – Barbara Neff-Caban, Scribe Participants: N. Cornell Boggs, III, T. Paul Bulmahn, Pamela Fickenscher, Don Fites, Jon Kilpinen, Harley Snyder Provide accommodations on-campus to visitors (similar to what Notre Dame has)

Develop an attitude of friendliness demonstrated from the top administrators on down Create an atmosphere of fun and enjoyment Task Force on Belonging and Engagement Refectory – Kathleen Zelkowitz, Scribe Participants: Collette Irwin-Knott; Mark Hagerman; Luther Brunette; Bonnie Raquet; Linda Deal; John Shelton Question 1 From a board standpoint you come as an undergrad and then you are a graduate. Now we start talking about your alumni responsibilities. How do we do a better job of engaging the current student prior to their graduation? The more we can do in regard to the current student. People who come back, why do they come back? I’d rather know about the people who do not come back. Why are you not engaged? Also the geography issue. Why are they not connected? Things regional like the golf outing and the winery, HC West, a lot of it we look from school to school they return because of sports. Sports brings back alumni. My daughter attends Wash U. Received an invitation that was addressed to Wash U alumni in Twin Cities professor was going to be lecturing . Opening up the boundaries of who gets alumni communications. If you’re on the database you get the information. If you bring in a speaker you can attract alumni. It’s not about coming back to campus it’s about being connected to the school. How to talk Valpo to other people. In terms of engaging alumni a lot of it has to do with engaging students. If we can engage them here we’ll have a better chance of engaging them as alumni. Valpo Clubs and other around the country. Interesting challenge how do you create a sense of belonging for University. Guests? Economic dev. Viewpoint could use as catalyst for economic development for the region. Look for a site in Crown Point could have their meetings here in VU. Use facilities for external meetings. We are ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentlemen. Ritz trains people about how you behave when you see someone you don’t know. Ritz is leader in customer service. How do you lead in customer service. Every guest you say hello, thank you, goodbye, how can I help you? Question I would as VU what’s your customer service plan. How many times can you walk in the hallway. Welcome to VU are you enjoying your visit.

Are staff well trained in looking good smiling eye contact. I was not sure where the Heritage room was in Union and I walked by the person at the welcome desk and they did not even look up to say hello to me. There is a basic expectation that give me eye contact and recognize that I’m here. That’s basic. At the Ritz level reason they do that is it’s all value perceived. People also pay a lot of money to go to school here so we need to separate ourselves from the competition service will need to be the thing that does it. Simple things when you’re renting out the union everyone in that organization knows who’s in charge. It’s the service ownership for the guests that are here. Utilize the University more for guests, bring them in and do the right kind of service. Alumni are they ever invited to something that is not fundraising? Regional meetings are good at not hitting that too hard. Some ask for money much better than others. We get handwritten notes from Wesley from the president. To the point that they come to mind when I think of putting somebody in touch with people there. It’s that top of mind thing. Where is VU is very impersonal. Law School has sort of written me off. Question 2 1. Enhance students sense of well being, commitment, worth, and pride in the university. That means when they’re out there they speak well of the U. 2. Increase active participation of all constituents in the life of the campus. 3. Enhance faculty/staff sense of well-being, commitment, worth and pride in the University.. 4. Strengthen the relationship with and enhance the connections between alumni and the University community for the benefit of both. Sometimes when you re-interact with the students it feels good. It’s interesting but it does not increase. 5. Strengthen the relationship with and connections between campus(es) and the broader community. 6. Create an environment in which people from diverse backgrounds have a sense of well-being commitment, worth and pride in the University. Cultural Question for me. 7. Strengthen and build on residential undergraduate character to become a hub for expanding domestic and global educational opportunities.

8. Enhance the Lutheran character of the institution by emphasizing vocation, service, and the common pursuit of truth in dialogue with people from diverse backgrounds and faith traditions. 9. Increase service commitment of all constituents to church and society. A High priority for me when it comes as a sense of belonging but I didn’t feel I needed to add it. 10. Enhance the interaction among constituent groups. (Like at a summit). The summit where we all stayed in our silos (not interacting with other constituent groups was not as helpful.) Task Force on Belonging and Engagement Refectory – Michelle Janssen, Scribe Participants: Bruce Laning, David Hessler, Howard Claussen, Jon Schumacher, Dick Beumer, Karl Kreft Question 1 We need a place to congregate either the new Harre Union or a hotel. Oberlin College – they have the Oberlin Inn – use the community meeting. Yes, at Stanford they have the same thing. How as congregations define themselves as a welcoming church. We don’t do a great job externally – Guild is a good example. When the new Guild took over – kind of damped the spirits of those who wanted to serve the university. If they want to do something – Homer Drew event – great example. Brings the people together. If we are planning a pregame event before a basketball game, how do we get tickets?. Guild – discouraged by the national organization? Yes, we had a going concern and how there is no leadership – when it was disbanded there is no leadership. This same move killed the Guild in Cleveland. This occurred during my tenure as chair – younger donors/alumni don’t like the past and are on to other things The answer in part, keep the old (that is working well) but then start something new. Overlap Guild – not typically first as alumni but as Lutherans closest “cell” is Washington DC – we could perhaps create a smaller cell.

Monthly Valpo business persons club or meeting? Once a month. A colleague of mine networks with his university. Boston College Club – social club where you need to be a member. Just affirm the dual income pressure. Everyone is really busy – overboard with kids’ stuff. 30/40 for game Question 2 Top for the group – strengthen the relationship with enhanced connections between VU alumni. Product of the university is the life-long relationship. #6 is my #1 because if we could inculcate that sense of belonging. Even though they don’t exhibit. #10 – To give and to serve. Lutherans are taking a beating. This place could define what Lutheranism is … much more serious we choose to. Task Force on Belonging and Engagement Refectory – Mike Owens, Scribe Participants: Chuck Niemier, Mike Rickman, Paul Strasen, Grant Kraft, Mark Helge, Herb Stride Question 1 What does it take to get alumni here to visit? Do social media help promote this? Put The Torch and The Cresset on-line! Don’t worry about reaction to student editorials. Create a “Friends of VU” type connection to the local community—designed for those who did not attend VU. For example, a webpage that lets community members know events at VU that they might want to attend. Doesn’t have to be part of the valpo.edu website. Would be good to have some lectures, sermons, and special events, that one can watch You-Tube style by going to a VU community website. Are we communicating effectively with the local newspapers, radio, TV? The Law School does a great job of community relations e.g. law clinic. Embed links in Google, etc, like the Admissions Office does, but include community interest events as well.

Question 2 Student well-being and commitment has to be a top priority. If that happens, alumni loyalty will follow. Ranking of the items:

1. Enhanced students’ sense of well-being, etc. 2. Enhance the Lutheran character, etc. But—this is poorly articulated and the

second part of the statement (“people from diverse backgrounds” etc) reads like a non-sequitor. Needs clarification.

3. Enhance fac/staff sense of well being, etc. 4. Strengthen the relationship with and enhance connections between alumni etc 5. Create an environment in which people from diverse backgrounds have a sense of

well-being, etc. 6. Increase service commitment of all constituents, etc. 7. Strengthen and build on the residential undergrad character, etc. Another poorly

articulated goal. Second part (“global hub”) doesn’t clearly follow from the first as it’s written.

8. Strengthen the relationship with connections between campus(es). 9. Increase active participation of all constituents in the life of the campus. 10. Enhance the interaction among constituent groups.

Task Force on Belonging and Engagement Refectory – Rusty Seltz, scribe Participants: Mark Schultz, Jim Mueller, Scott Seefeld, Norm Volk, Paul Schrage How to create a community of belonging?

Increased emphasis on Greek life Have "period" reunions, e.g. '68-75. Bring more well-known, engaging speakers or celebrities onto campus. Use "Furman points" to encourage participation on campus Increase community involvement-allow/encourage area residents to take courses

etc at a reduced rate. Building alumni retirement housing on or very near campus. President should get out more and ask alumni gatherings what we can to do create

the sense of belonging for our alumni. Increase presence of VU students/faculty in areas grade, middle and high schools. Enhance the success, without compromising values, of our sports teams

Rank goals

Enhance student sense of well-being Strength and enhance alumni and university community Create an environment for diverse backgrounds

After the first three, they all run together!!!!! Task Force on Belonging and Engagement Refectory – Susan Scroggins, Scribe Participants: Fred Kraegel, Connie Ashline, Joyce Hagan, Carolyn Femovich, Steve Parks, Joel Wilson

1. How do we create a community of belonging & engagement? Alumni -How to package/promote the Valpo experience (encourage return to campus) -Weekend intellectual event -International tours-leverage faculty expertise -Promote University events Guests -Signage-implement way to find (parking, buildings) -Promote university events -athletics -arts -Step up aesthetics, we’ve made progress but could do more. -Meet needs of community -Intellectual stimulation -Career development -Business leaders’ breakfast, or journalists draw business community, political leaders (?), governor -Forums -Chicago draw -Weekend Intellectual event -Promise keepers-faith based -Continuing professional education opportunities that tie to our mission & programs. Partner with local institutions. -Church leadership symposium -Use faculty international experience to promote international University sponsored trips -Welcome center needed -direction & information to campus visitors (other than admission)

2. (At one point several of the group wanted to rank all #1—Very difficult to rank because a lot of overlap and all important

a. Include graduate b. Sense of well-being of utmost importance

-Faculty/staff, students, diversity c. A beginning of getting people engaged d. strengthen relationships e. Particular affinity to the statement on Lutheran character…

CHRISTOPHER CENTER COMMUNITY ROOM BREAK OUT SESSIONS Task Force on Belonging and Engagement Christopher Center Community Room ~ Table 1 Participants: Susan Adams, Kristine Fox, Steve Jenny, Verne Schneider, Spero Valavanis, Paul Von Tobel Question 1

Starts with campus experience Internet/technology/distance learning Keep alumni connected, especially those living far away (i.e. Guild chapter

does this) “belonging” o Guild now doing this through web conferences

Technology (web-virtual) helps B&E o Keep fresh, crisp and current

CURB APPEAL – show it through technology What is the “fun” factor! Needs lack of Greek life! Help! Who is Community? Reaches int’l! (define community) After degree completion – you look back with favorable thoughts! Gives

belonging Graduate 90% of entry freshman! This will help with B&E What is the % of graduates that give? Student, faculty, and alumni get them together bring back after graduation –

helps keep connected Keep alumni involved on campus!

o Find reasons to bring them back Alumni should come back to campus; VU should find reasons to ask alumni

to come back to campus! See what is going on! Faith-based should be promoted b/c it is special to VU! Link alumni with students from the same area (i.e. TN) – state/region based Regional events are so helpful! Athletic events Int’l! need to think as

Question 2

Asked Q’s concerned about overall faculty/staff stmt. Is there concern here? Did not understand the stmt…

o “strengthen and build in the residential undergraduate…” Here facility problems need to be addressed Broaden “purple” Is there a service requirement to graduate? (i.e. service learning) Hallmark of VU is faith based – find apps to students to be engaged and

engaged with each other thru social organizations (i.e. Teach thru America – Habitat)

Inject “globally” through B&E Stay focused on faculty Also alumni – due to $ and keeping it going Connection between VU and Valpo community is important Sub-groups-niche activities

o (i.e. athletics) how do we support? Small groups (sweet 16 team) need to gather these groups and make them feel B&E

Task Force on Belonging and Engagement Christopher Center Community Room ~ Table 2 Participants: Kristine Boettcher, Steven Claussen, Susan Jenny Ehr, Jim McGill, Barbara Meyer, Roger Sims, Celina Weatherwax Question 1 How do we create a community of Belonging and Engagement for alumni and University guests?

Fun on campus for students; students need to have a social life and are not studying 24 hrs a day

Better connect people/students on campus A key is hospitality – a warmth of embracing when one is on campus and

off campus A person that has been in Valpo his entire life has noticed that the students

aren’t currently engaged in downtown Valpo Electronic communication, i.e. facebook Figure out needs of alumni and guests Engagement where a people can personalize things: i.e. nametags Homecoming is a good example of success because of the smaller group

segments and people can identify with some group Involve programs for everyone on campus – students, seniors, children There are a lot of good program offered on campus but the

marketing/communication really needs to be improved. Especially for people that are not on campus

A sense of community is good with the Chapel of the Resurrection Put a lot more emphasis for building the Greek system back at Valpo

Question 2 Goal Ranking Process! Additional comments: Where is the fun? The kids don’t have anything to do and we are losing potential students and current students because of the lack of social activities. No students active on campus. No student life!!!!!

Task Force on Belonging and Engagement Christopher Center Community Room ~ Table 3 Participants: James Beyreis, Susan Dippold, Jim Eckstaedt, Peter Hessler, Steve Hitchcock, Kristin Yakimow, Christine Zrinsky

Internships Pro Bono work Assistance ref local Lutheran churches Speaker series Lifetime email – regional alumni events for networking, lifetime learning Faculty email on website User friendly website for information sharing and gift giving Transportation from Chicago Traditions that become a reason to return for all, not specific groups Creating the Brand Speaking Opportunities across the world – web-based, live, interactive, webcasts

to and from campus Faster communication – Dr. Schnabel’s death E-mail newsletter by college or dept. Reunion – top notch speakers, solid program, evening events. Open house

w/faculty especially for younger alumni Ask alumni to help with projects i.e. COE who can I get to do this? How can alumni engage with current students through electronic communication

with congratulations for accomplishments Stay connected with recent grads - not just Homecoming (summer) Not just to

give Engage parents more – weekly parent newsletter via email

B&E – Task Force Goals

Some conversation about “residential undergraduate” emphasis - what about commuters and grad students

Alumni- not just; what about donors, former faculty members, parents. Constituents Tommy LaSorda

10 is too many goals – 3 or 4 seems right – could combine some. How would we measure?

Are some more important to future of VU than others? Create goals for each constituent group Create goals by time (phases of life) – different plans for different groups and

different goals Statements are too nebulous

***goals were ranked individually and then averaged – Members were not all comfortable w/ final ranking but time limited reranking.

Concern for same as last place – what place does Lutheranism have in society? Read Flame of Faith, Lamp of Learning in Freshman Core Class.

Tradition transcends denomination – Not afflicted with church today. LCMS & ELCA won’t exist in 50 yrs but Lutheranism will.

Who do we want to attend VU? So diverse anyone who isn’t Lutheran. Senator doesn’t matter if he/she is Lutheran but how does he/she contribute to

society? That’s more important. How do we define belonging and engagement? Open collaboration…

Task Force on Belonging and Engagement Christopher Center Community Room ~ Table 4 Participants: Jeffrey Earl, John Hanak, Mike Hron, Rebecca Jahn, Peter Jenny, Lois Niemier, Beth Wrobel Question 1 How do we create a community of belonging and engagement for alumni and university guests?

IT support; if our webpage isn’t slick, visitors will move on to another school o Smooth IT experience

Improved communications with alumni Enable alumni to reconnect “virtual homecoming etc.” (social media) In Alumni publications, have marriages, births, achievements, etc. on all, not just

featured alumni (example of Notre Dame’s quarterly newsletter) Offices in major metropolitan areas, strategic placement of Advancement offices

(renowned worldwide, physical presence) Alienation of city vs. campus, “the VU McDonald’s etc. “townies” – get more students working at local non-profits – get more students

pulled out into community, the more all grow NWI Alumni Group – increase these types of groups Reinstitution of Valpo Sunday. Recruit at local Lutheran churches. Extend Valpo

Sunday beyond Missouri Synod VU doesn’t compare to Notre Dame’s etc. we’ve come a long way, but need to

maintain personal touch. It’s not just about “give us your money” Relationships Facilitate major reunions

Question 2

3 Pillars o Students o Faculty (meaning, relevant, engaged) o Alumni (resources)

None of the goals talk about community, alluded to but not captured Best of the best all targeted – but what about the quieter ones? Look at broader

range of students to put on committees Sense of service has nothing focused on it 1. enhance students’ sense of well-being 2. enhance fac/staff sense of well-being

a. underlying attitude of “residential” campus

b. have a residential core, but build on this to allow more off-site learning, on-line, etc.

No life at the campus to participate in o What is the life of the campus? o (look at students at St. Theresa’s) (basketball – more community

people than campus students) Would have been easier to rank if grouped into 4 groups

o Building Ugrad o Meaningful, relevant engaged faculty o Resources from alumni o Local community

3. Strengthen the relationships with and enhance the connections between alumni and university community for he benefit of both 4. Create an environment in which people from diverse… 5. Strengthen and build on residential Ugrad character…

Task Force on Belonging & Engagement Christopher Center Community Room ~ Table 5 Participants: Al Morrison, Sue Rosborough, Ken Kastman, Alicia Shillington, Dennis Reece, Bob Gossart, Stu McMillan Question 1

Frequent and focused communication: variety of media, clubs, phone calls start early—right out of school something in it for you providing opportunities for people to participate global—for people who are out of the country sense of community is worth while have some communication without fundraising component sense of pride personal contact to invite participation Facebook Harre Union—offers a lot to the community; potential for changing whole

relationship with community Parking is an issue to bring community to campus

Question 2

Some seem to be saying the same thing in different words Task Force on Belonging and Engagement Christopher Center Community Room ~ Table 6 Participants: Philip Leege, Bruce Lindner, David Price, Sandra Rosenthal, Mark Rutherford, Peter Schmalz, Donna Van De Water

Question 1 How do we create a community of belonging and engagement for Alumni and University guests? Alumni –

Work to educate students early about being an alum and what those responsibilities are

Start freshman year to give a sense of belonging. This can’t be done after the student graduates

Get VU students to go out to the local schools and sell VU and sell it from a student prospective

Have seniors join a Century Club like they used to. Each class tried to get a larger percentage to join the club than the graduating class before them. Each asked to pledge $1000 a year.

Start at the recruiting process about what a special place this is Start recruiting at the 7th and 8th grade level. How does a 14-year-old know that

they want to go to Notre Dame? Connect the students before they even get on campus Create shared experiences with students on campus Get prospective students sold on Valpo with a visit and have them shadow a

senior student. Those senior students are the ones promoting Valpo to the prospects.

Highlight alumni achievement to future generations. Encourage alumni to bring entire family back to campus for big events like Homecoming.

Participate in problem solving National Council – making that commitment is a huge connection factor Create more advisory boards to get young alumni linked in Keep the connection from the minute they graduate. Not sure of which way to do

this but electronically is economical and easy to do University Guests –

Facebook Ran out of time to complete this portion

Question 2 Please review the draft goals from our task force meetings and prioritize them in order of importance.

Too many goals – should have only a top 5. The rest blur together #1 goal – Enhance students’ sense of well-being, commitment, worth, and pride in

the university. Group thought this is where it all starts and without this, the university is lost.

#2 goal – Enhance faculty/staff sense of well-being, commitment, worth and pride in the university. Suggest paying them better

#3 goal – Enhance the Lutheran character of the institution by emphasizing vocation, service, and the common pursuit of truth in dialogue with people from diverse backgrounds and faith traditions.

#4-10 goals were a tie Comments from group:

‐ Now Alums are feeling a greater separation now more than ever ‐ Heard that the Deans don’t get together very often – need a shared

connection ‐ Some group members get a ton of Valpo e-mail; others get none.

Would prefer to get more interesting e-mail such as a “Did you know… about VU” rather than a solicitation for money or an invite to a sporting event. Would like more information on how the sports teams are doing

‐ University needs to find out what an alum was interested in when a student so that they can be engaged as an alum

‐ Can’t force the Lutheran faith but the traits and values associated with Lutheranism is what attracts people of all faiths to attend the university

‐ Heard there used to be a Lilly grant that provided 1st year professors a trip to Cambridge for a 10-day course. They came back with a sense of Valpo being a special place

Task Force on Belonging and Engagement Christopher Center Community Room ~ Table 7 Participants: Michael Benway, Lindsie Jung, Andrew Meyer, Renee Reimer, John Rudy, Susan Spaeth Question 1 How do we create community? - Group conversation on creating community for alumni Social networking, we need to have an online community for alumni and need to bolster and promote it. Must take into account that online communities are always changing Engage alumni better by hiring a student to go through the yearbooks and find presidents of student orgs, fraternities and sororities, etc. Then find those people, because if they were involved then they’re more likely to be involved now. Reach out to involved people. Seems like alumni relations is better now than it used to be. Assure there is a sense of pride about the University. That sense of pride can dissipate if you’re not around and don’t know what’s going on. Making sure that alumni are aware of activities that are going on in various regions (athletics, tours, etc.)

Alumni have specialized affinities, like colleges, encourage more ongoing communications between colleges or departments, groups, etc. like sciences. Alums don’t care as much about what’s happening in other areas. General communication with alumni that the University still cares about their personal, spiritual and professional growth. Encourage alumni feedback on a variety of current issues affecting the Universities. For important things and decisions that are going on. Solicit opinions in addition to money. Make them feel that they’re input is valued. Online surveys are good ways to do that. Look at opportunities with alumni in different regions to do volunteer work.

- Group - conversation on creating community for University guests

There’s a good town/gown relationship. Lot of programs between the local schools and university – the schools get a lot of expertise from our students. Getting out into the community was a really valuable experience. Like education students going out and doing teaching. Having activities that bring community groups to campus, like art exhibits or the Shakespeare summer workshop for local youth is a great way to create community and engage them. Continuing volunteer opportunities where students are getting out into the community and doing service for people in the community sends a welcoming message to the community. More opportunities like that could engage alumni as well. Make sure communities members are aware of all the activities going on that are open to them. Harre Union is a great facility for local events, make sure people know they can take advantage of it. Let people know they can come here for coffee, meals, etc. I believe most people in community realize that Valpo is an economic engine for the community. Saw that the community has grown tremendously in recent years as well with more businesses, more diversity.

Question 2 Prioritization of TF draft goals My feeling is the students are the center and should be the priority. There has been some disagreement about Lutheran character and just how important that should Some non-Christian students recognize the value of a faith-based institution because they see that as creating a hospitable community. The Lutheran intellectual tradition is especially good for that sense of openness. I think Valpo could be the same type of place for Lutherans as Catholics, even if Lutherans are not a majority. Emphasizing honesty and integrity is very important for our institution. Our reputation of international service should get greater recognition. This country is looking for a moral compass and this university can be a beacon of that. People are looking for values and a return to right and wrong and Valpo could be well positioned for expanding on that. There was mention of the business and engineering programs. Connect openness to the grace of the Gospel. Valpo walks a line pretty well between Lutheran tradition but not preaching too much about specific doctrines that could get in the way of openness. Top 3

1. Enhance student sense of well-bring a. Strengthening and building on the residential undergrad character would

fit in with the above priority 2. Create an environment in which people from diverse backgrounds … 3. Increase active participation of all constituents

4th – Lutheran character It is important to include faculty and staff since they are producing the educational experience. One mentioned “Enhancing interaction …” is redundant to “Increase active participation” Relationship with campus and community would be wrapped up into the one above – “Increase active participation”

When teams, music groups, etc are off campus there may be more opportunities for them to be engaged as they travel in connecting with alumni, communities, etc. Task Force on Belonging and Engagement Christopher Center Community Room ~ Table 8 Participants: John Albers, Suman Das, David Hollenbeck, Duane Rabe, Kathi Seifert Question 1 How do we create a community of belonging and engagement for alumni and University guests? Finding a way for University to respect and be interested in and engage ability and

thoughts of University alumni and guests as much as they’re interested in providing for. For example, providing community volunteers. Or the community providing university its skills.

Students need to get more involved in community things. Instead of just seeing theater here as something for community, to see Chicago Street

theater as helping the university. Economic component to synergistic relationship that can’t be denied. Ex., city of

Valparaiso spent money to upgrade downtown. Pikk’s Restaurant, parents and prospective student were there. They were attracted to downtown Valparaiso. Downtown isn’t just for city, it’s an overall image that impacts University.

And you can’t overlook economic engine that the university is for the city. If Suman doesn’t keep up standards at hotel, people will go to other places like

Merrillville to stay. It’s hand in hand. V-Line buses to train station over subscribed by students. Common thread is they are people who are not routinely on campus. Relevant to that

group is they’re not familiar with necessarily the campus layout. They may have questions and don’t know where to go. One of the key things for belonging and engagement is an atmosphere that is welcoming, and a sense of ambassadorship for everyone who is routinely here. Part of being a member of the community is being an ambassador for these people who are here briefly or infrequently.

Father of colleague at church is older. Limitation of parking in center of campus for handicap and disabled folks is a huge hindrance for coming on campus. You can see they want to create a walking campus for people on campus, (efficient for youthful people who are usually here). The man won’t come to concert unless someone else can drive him and drop him off.

Banquet facilities at Harre Union built to certain extent to attract off campus program. Biggest complaint is parking. That’s where disconnect happens. Makes sense for campus planning, but negative for the University guest because of, at least perception, of inadequate parking.

Suggestion: Notre Dame provides golf carts. Requires attitude of consideration for people visiting.

Union provides a way of engagement by brining people here for special events that might not be here otherwise. At Motorola, every year go to major research university for conference. That’s an example where contact with professional organizations or

industry folks, hosting their activities on campus could produce familiarity and then affinity for the University.

As with any idea, there’s backlash to that. Although University promoted Harre Union and talked about it in that context, they haven’t marketed it that way. The reason is they’re sensitive to what they’re doing to Strongbow. They’re taking business away from a private banquet hall. Then you get the story Strongbow pays property taxes, University doesn’t. University has been sensitive to that.

Counter: I think there’s an opportunity to approach that sensitively and do more than what may have been done.

Communication, marketing of events is short range on campus. They don’t market things far enough in advance.

Question 2 Review of the draft goals from task force meetings and prioritizing of them in order of importance: Enhance Lutheran character. Worried it’s not held in high regard, and we are more

apologetic than we should be. Notre Dame is a Catholic institution, they know it and put it out there. They’re also renowned worldwide. It’s not mutually exclusive. Maybe we think if we’re too parochial can’t be renowned in engineering or whatever. Why not have a Lutheran person as, say, athletic director. Not economist or technical area.

Counter: Notre Dame demographic is huge. They don’t exclude anyone by putting Catholic out there as center stage.

Lutheran identity and diversity are not mutually exclusive. If we’re out front saying we’re Lutheran, makes it difficult to recruit Hindus, etc. Lutheran principles. What do you get, best qualified person or the Lutheran? In some categories. But there is a limit. If you take nothing but best qualified person, you’re not going to be Lutheran

anymore. If we use that approach, look around 20 years from now and ask where are all the Lutherans?

DePauw is an example. Want to make sure that tension is still there. That tension will bring growth.

What if it’s president of the University? You don’t hire a Lutheran to be president? When they hired a president, they hired a man with a personality to be a leader and he

was Lutheran. (ex., president provided vegetarian food for Hindu kids who needed it.) What Valparaiso University needs to be doing is leading and defining this is what

Lutheran needs to be, not only responding to it. No. 1: Enhance faculty/staff sense of well-being, commitment, worth and pride in

university. Has to produce kids who can invent something. Take them into the community and

start something. Ambassadorship depends on students/faculty and staff having that pride in the

University. That’s how you present a welcoming and engaging face to guests.

VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY CENTER FOR THE ARTS BREAK OUT SESSIONS Task Force on Belonging and Engagement VU Center for the Arts ~ Table 1 Participants: Kathy Bardenhagen, Martin Baumgaertner, Judy Beumer, David Lange, Rex Richards, Al Streder Brainstorm

- What do alumni want to give to VU? - Metric is what people after Valpo & this is their sense of belonging—money,

time, other good will (how they speak) o Opportunities need to be made available

- belonging = ownership o part of me needs to be in it o grows after you leave o give back o build belonging after student has left

- need to feel welcomed, appreciated, needed - you want to put something “back in the bank” - give back not because you have to, but because you want to - pride building (by VU) PR campaign - home & family, same commitment with regular family - create opportunities for community

o Continuing education-required in law school, profession development hours in engineering

o Alumni events o More you affiliate w/ people of a similar background, interest will grow

-VAN -community night @ community college -opportunities for service -good use of alumnifeel welcomed, appreciated, needed -always having a volunteer w/ admission staffer

Task Force on Belonging and Engagement VU Center for the Arts ~ Table 2 Participants: Gary Gilbert, Andy Heinecke, Arnie Busse, Norman Cobb, Lee Millies

How do we create a community of belonging and engagement?

1. Invite people to be a part of the process and value their input. 2. Emotional Engagement is key – make resource of VU to alum access to Research

data. 3. Robust Alumni involvement/recruitment. Develop the emotional tie

a. Get more out (pride pieces)

b. Things we do well c. Better job publishing that info (E-mail? Text?) d. Use of modern communication modes. How do you get the input? e. Enhancing the sports program and using that in advertising the University f. More concentrated effort to obtain information re: Alum g. Possible gathering into by student callers

Goals: Show belonging 1. Emotional Engagement – pride, sense of belonging 2. Enhance faculty/staff – alumni **Hard to prioritize – all equally important so these should be narrowed down. Bring number of ideas down from 10 to 3 or 4 and then rank those.

Task Force on Belonging and Engagement VU Center for the Arts ~ Table 3 Participants: Tabby Claussen, Rich Eynon, Walt Hoeppner, Bill Satterlee Group Discussion

You feel you belong when you walk into a room and know lots of people. Increase percentage of minorities so they feel comfortable at VU and in the

community. Think about different ways to connect with different age groups. Keep people

connected while not on campus. It’s hard to say how to build engagement for alumni and guests. Some ideas:

o Provide more amenities for alumni, such as parking o Continue Valpo Voyages o User friendly campus (covered sky walks)

Better signage – more campus maps. Current campus maps should be raised up higher. They are too low to see.

Monorail on outside of campus. Mini-busses would help around campus. Create a brochure – more than a map – 30 pages showing the beautiful buildings.

It could be sold in the bookstore. People would take it home and show it to their friends.

The Alumni office is doing a great job with Valpo Clubs in other cities. Ranking Additional Comments (List of group’s rankings is attached.)

Enhance faculty/staff sense of well-being and enhance student’s sense of well being. These go hand in hand.

Some of these are similar There is no way to keep VU Lutheran! VU MUST remain Lutheran! Reputation can be enhanced internationally A South Shore stop in Valpo could bring more students here.

Task Force on Belonging and Engagement VU Center for the Arts ~ Table 4 Participants: Mary Kay Hagerman, David Hathaway, Carl Schwan

Get people to commit to giving of time, talent, treasures. Create involvement. Church under pinnings are important here.

Begin creating involvement with VU already as freshmen. Give students exposure. This causes alumni to desire to support the university. Also give passionate faculty exposure. This also energies alumni. The 2 great commandments (Love God and neighbor) honoring these bring

community. VU’s Lutheran background is huge part of community sense. Help people feel comfortable where they are Dean “chats” and visits National Councils are helpful in this respect.

Task Force on Belonging and Engagement VU Center for the Arts ~ Table 5 Participants: Gene Hennig, Johanna McGill, Carl Ziegler, Larry Zimmerman

1. Creating a community for Alumni & Guests a. Don’t charge anything (doing a good job) b. Put it into the mission statement-connection & expectations required of

alumni c. Create the culture of giving back early—drill it in when they are students d. Ask for money consistently from time they leave-not after they’ve been

gone for 20 years. e. Be more purposeful in what it means to be alumni f. Parents day events—lectures geared toward parents but students welcome

to participate in discussion g. E-mail tree to inform parents of key events on campus—weekly? h. Alumni can take mini-courses taught by faculty—can generate revenue

and bring alumni back to campus i. Center on the Chapel—can be inspirational to current students and carry

into “alumni-hood” j. Disappointed that no large 150th to-do was held in the Chapel—more

events like that would help

2. Goals: a. Enhance student’s well-being, commitment, worth, and pride in the

university b. Enhance the Lutheran character of the institution by emphasizing

vocation, service & common pursuit of truth in dialogue w/ people from diverse background & faith traditions

Task Force on Belonging and Engagement VU Center for the Arts ~ Table 6 Participants: Rick Barton, Bob Beyer, Thea Gattone, Martha Hessler, Tom Madden How do we create a community of belonging and engagement for Alumni and University guests? Creating community for alumni

a. Incorporating alumni based on alumni skills, talents, gifts – eg. Classroom setting based on work experience, University summit opportunities – creates sense of belonging for alumni, especially if you are seeking alumni contributions. Get alumni involved. Involvement as it relates to students will add a level of personal reason or care to give financial.

b. Regional events – sports or other kinds of events. Growing this area. c. Regional Valpo reading groups, suggested texts for discussion. d. Reading Freshman core books, group discussion afterwards. For example, assign

one book a year, come back at Homecoming. Have a professor give a course or lead a discussion about the book.

e. Campus needs a point of destination for alumni coming to campus – building, pavilion, place in the union

f. Electronic distribution of alumni directory --- so that alumni can get together with people in their specific areas. The university would provide the resource. Perhaps even allowing information via the website. You could 1) find people you went to school with and 2) find people in your area.

g. Create a facebook or iphone application to find alumni. h. Alum Notes in Valpo magazine – somewhat daunting. Perhaps a round-robin by

department or year of graduation. Almost like a facebook option to allow people to respond and stay connected with one another. Perhaps if groupings of 5 class years would allow people to connect with one another, and then ultimately with VU. Grouping by department would allow people to engage with there are of interest. Ways to keep alumni connect in the interim.

i. Social networking options. Creating community for University guests

a. Place for guests to land when they come on campus, e.g. tourist/visitor office with events that are forthcoming. Web page would also work. The center should include student working at the desk.

b. Build the 1000-seat theater in the VUCA to connect the community to the university. Traveling road shows, bigger university productions, etc.

c. Make tickets available on the website to encourage advance purchase. d. Market music series/ticket series; already done for athletics. e. Market conferences, even as a get-away seminar for Chicagoans.

Task Force on Belonging and Engagement VU Center for the Arts ~ Table 7 Participants: Beth Brooks, Carolyn Hanes, Cathy Jenny, James Paul, David Piehler, Dawn Rickman Question 1 Create a community of belonging and engagement…

Creating community for alumni… Creating community for University guests…

through social networking and online connections Find a way to engage alumni when they visit campus. Alumni can come to

campus as a total stranger – no one knows they are there. When here for homecoming, I focused on my class – didn’t know there was

another group of Alphas there. No opportunity to connect with people outside of class (younger people who were in the same major or sorority).

Connect to other alumni off-campus, too. Need an effective alumni office that isn’t just looking for contributions. Seems

that it is donation focused. Can alumni relations connect people to colleges. They are trying to make everyone the same (I think she meant streamline what

information we have on everyone?) Alumni relations doing so much social. What are we doing outside the major alumni hubs? Chicago has something, what

about northern WI? For reunion connected to class by other connection (major/sorority). Do this for

reunions, what else. When someone comes to campus, they feel lost. Need a place where alumni can

go. Someplace to go on campus where people will make a fuss about you. Text someone: “I’m an alumni and I’m on campus!” Even if it is virtual check-in

point. Staff too busy with other everyday concerns to take the time to greet people. What does Valpo DO for guests (alumni or non-alumni) that come to campus (to

give lecture, etc), then what? How is the connection maintained? Have to ask and plan ahead for campus tour. Does webpage have a place for alumni to connect in and find things? I have to

ask, “It is there?”, and then people aren’t aware of it. Not giving volunteers what THEY need to do the job. Provided a list with no

phone numbers. Answer from alumni office: send them a letter. That is NOT going to work!

Way of collecting data consistently among offices that work with constituents. There are likely so many unemployed Valpo alumni. How can alumni connect

with other alumni to find employees or employers?

This goes back to the technology issue! One system for data. For reunion…called classmates and they never called back. There are people who

don’t want to be found. People that they had a connection with while on campus. What is done for anyone looking for hospitality appropriate for their culture.

Christian sense of hospitality important. Need hospitality (at Union). Guest on campus? Check in at Harre Union.

Student trained who knows what to do: call Admission, alumni office, schedule a tour, concierge, etc.

Question 2 Review draft goals and prioritize…

Number 1. Enhance students’ sense of well-being… Tied 2. Enhance faculty/staff sense of well-being Tied 2. Create an environment in which people from diverse backgrounds… Tied 4. Strengthen the relations with and enhance the connections between alumni and the university. Tied 4. Strengthen and build on the residential undergraduate character to become a hub for expanding domestic and global educational opportunities. Tied 6. Increase service commitment of all constituents to church and society. Tied 6. Strengthen the relationship with and connections between campus(es) and the broader communities. Number 8. Enhance the interaction among constituents groups. Tied 9. Increase active participation of all constituents in the life of the campus. Tied 9. Enhance the Lutheran character of the institution by emphasizing vocation, service, and the common pursuit of truth in dialogue with people from diverse backgrounds and faith tradition. Comments: 2, 6 and 8 combined? Basic well-being and inclusion. If not happy and proud to be here, what is the point? Who do we focus on first, students, fac/staff? Combine and focus on it all. Belonging and engagement of adult student may be different. Faculty and staff will have outside distractions and may not fully commit to University. Faculty need to feel this sense of community and need to commitment to University because they don’t get paid well. Have options and can go elsewhere. Task Force on Belonging and Engagement VU Center for the Arts ~ Table 8 Participants: Deb Butterfield, Art Knueppel, Bob Pieters, Marcia Rotunda, Judy Schumacher, Glenn Tabor

Question 1: How do we create a community of belonging and engagement? Providing information in a simplified form Having many alumni events and welcome them back to campus Implement way finding signs Distant life-long learning opportunities Engage students so after they graduate they still belong involve students in

community function More regional alumni groups Virtual alumni groups Devise a mechanism that crosses multi-generations Be a resource in denominational problems, a consultant in using VU professors as

a resource to help alumni in their local communities Create an on-line community for alumni Leverage alumni to support in recruiting students Visible Welcome Center on campus for visitors

Question 2: Goals

1. Enhance students’ sense of well-being, commitment, worth, and pride in the University

2. Strengthen the relationship of alumni to day-to-day campus activities 3. Increase active participation of all constituents

Comments:

1. What is a goal and what’s an objective? This is not clear. 2. Don’t feel the goals listed are goals. 3. How do you “measure” these goals? 4. What does “residential undergraduate character” mean?

Task Force on Belonging and Engagement VU Center for the Arts ~ Table 9 Participants: Jim Jorgeson, Steve Bongard, John Draheim, Vince Galbiati, Leslie Paul Ideas to create a community of belonging and engagement for Alumni and University guests:

have funding resources available for faculty so they can be involved in community projects

establish better communication better the University and the community provide opportunities for VU alumni to come together as group in various parts of

country/world to work on charitable non-profit projects (i.e. Habitat for Humanity)

establish living facilities for alumni to live on campus while participating in 1-2 week or month long educational programs like Elderhostel

create alumni in residence programs where alumni can return and be guest lecturer for a class, or group of classes

utilize Facebook for Alumni connections

have a Valparaiso University message board where alumni have the opportunity to network and communicate ideas and foster discussions

create information in Alum’s data record that lists professional societies, so others in that field can network with alums from same discipline

revisit telemarketing strategies so that phone callers are more aware of the proposed donor’s current level of Valpo engagement

Task Force on Belonging and Engagement VU Center for the Arts ~ Table 10 Participants: Ralph Johnson, Sharon Kish, Georgine Steude, Pam Streder, Donna Stride, Charlie Strietelmeier Creating Community for Alumni—

Program of introducing freshman to teach them (prepare) for what is expected of them as students & then alumni

University guest house and retreat center Programs for short periods of time to offer learning and teaching opportunities Make people feel involved somehow, find ways send students our on mission trips, work through churches Alumni take students to dinner when they are in town Offer campus transportation/valet service? For guest using buildings so they use

them more Send students out into community to recruit area students Valpo Sunday—table believes it doesn’t happen any longer—get into churches Liturgical theatre group used in more services here and off campus, Soul Purpose

Missed Goals Strengthen connection with surrounding Lutheran congregation through student and administration initiatives with church and its youth groups. Revitalizing liturgical theatre outreach.