Improving the Academic Experience

Purpose & Background

Though the university continues to encourage the use of free open-source textbooks for courses, a large number of classes still require paid materials. This poses as a barrier to access for students furthers the gap of inequity. According to a 2020 survey conducted by the W&M Task Force on Textbook and Materials Affordability: 12% reported not registering for a course because of textbook costs, 8% had dropped a course, and 35% said that financial aid did not cover any of their textbook costs. To help relieve this burden, we propose two possible short-term solutions for implementation.

Implementation & Action Items

Textbook Exchange

Given that course materials do not differ greatly year-to-year, we believe that a “Textbook Donation/Exchange” program would be beneficial to expand Swem Library’s course reserves. Currently, faculty can reserve a limited copy of required materials in circulation. However, they face issues with the lack of copies and short return periods. With this program, students who took the course are able to add their textbooks for future students. While acknowledging limitations with e-books, any addition to course reserves would improve the access materials. An option to purchase used textbooks from students to add to the reserves could be explored with supplemental funding from Student Assembly.

Grant/Award Program

To help relieve the financial burden of textbooks for students, we propose creating a joint fund with the Dean of Students Office, Student Assembly, Office of Financial Aid, and various campus stakeholders to allow students to apply for financial assistance.

Sources:

https://libraries.wm.edu/about/passion-projects/collections-research/affordable-textbooks

https://libraries.wm.edu/sites/default/files/files/Textbook%20Affordability%20Task%20Force%20Report.pdf

https://libraries.wm.edu/services/course-reserves

Purpose & Background

We believe that free access for Grammarly Premium would help promote equal access to resources for all students regardless of financial ability. This resource facilitates concise and elevated writing which better equips students for the academics and real-world applications.

In our research, we found several institutions with Grammarly partnerships include: Pennsylvania State University, University of Florida, Johns Hopkins University, UNC Chapel Hill, and Cornell University, among others.

Implementation & Action Items

We would begin this conversation with various campus stakeholders and administrators to advocate for this partnership and identify potential sources of funding and grants as needed. Given the universal reach and availability, we believe Student Assembly funding would be appropriate to supplement the implementation of this initiative.

Sources:

https://www.grammarly.com/edu

https://www.chapman.edu/campus-services/information-systems/software/grammarly.aspx

Purpose & Background

Currently, students are only able to reserve study spaces within Swem Library and are limited to lecture halls on a first-come basis and cause difficulties–especially for off-campus and commuting students. To help relieve this issue and allow for greater facilitation of group study sessions and individual studying, our administration would advocate for a system for students to reserve select lecture rooms around campus. Note, this would be for smaller-capacity spaces to allow for continued use for student organizations.

Implementation & Action Items

Our administration would work with Student Unions and Engagements, the current administrator of campus reservations, to implement an online-based system from this initiative. We would also work with Facilities Management and WMPD to ensure proper building access and safety.

Advocating to the Office of Campus Living on the expansion of group and individual study spaces in dorms, which will alleviate some of the pressures in the non-dorm study areas, allowing commuters and off-campus students better access to a safe and quiet space for studying.

Purpose & Background

While acknowledging the large breadth and complexity of this topic, we believe that it is critical to continue work with all campus stakeholders to find tangible solutions and discuss the culture of mental health and wellness in academics. We believe that in order to start meaningful change, discussions should be heavily focused on the department and student-professor level in order to truly understand the experiences and stories behind academic stress.

Implementation & Action Items

We would emphasize the importance of honest conversations directly with faculty and students, and would facilitate a dialogue with the chairs of each department. These experiences reduce stigma and misconceptions, helping construct a productive community conversation.

Our administration will continue working relationships with various Recognized Student Organizations and administrative offices, including the Counseling Center, Student Health Center, Provost’s Office, etc. Student perspective and advocacy are crucial in allowing for a multifaceted approach.

Purpose & Background

All students should be educated and have access to their academic rights among which include: the right to a fair and equal education, right to unbiased evaluation, right to have clear expectations and criteria for evaluation, and the right to due process and just measures for academic violations. Clearly stated rights empower students to take charge of their education.

Implementation & Action Items

Once the content of the rights are finalized with campus offices and student groups, we would advocate for all new students (both undergraduate and graduate) to have access and be educated during their orientation process.

Sources:

https://www.wm.edu/offices/deanofstudents/services/communityvalues/studenthandbook/rights_and_responsibilities/index.php

Purpose & Background

To ensure all students have the opportunity to achieve academic success we want to increase access to academic resources. In order to even the playing field, the first step would be to ensure students can reach the support services they need.

Implementation & Action Items

Implement a fair to showcase and connect students with different academic resources on campus. This fair would allow students to view all possible support services available to them in one location and have their questions answered during that time.

Additionally, we would partner with various academic-based offices on campus including: Writing Resources Center, Registrar’s Office, Student Health Center, Counseling Center, Tribe Tutor Zone, Dean of Students Office, Swem Library, Academic Advising, Pre-professional Advising, Charles Center, among others to showcase different resources for campus.

Sources

https://www.wm.edu/academics/undergraduateprograms/acadresources/index.php