Western Michigan University President John Dunn says an invitation to a White House summit is an honor for the university.
Dunn says as president he gets to carry the message to the meeting on helping low-income and disadvantaged students. But he says it's a reflection of the university and its efforts to help students find the right path to college. Dunn was invited to be part of the White House's summit called A College Opportunity Day of Action on Thursday. He sat down with WMUK's Gordon Evans and Kalamazoo Gazette reporter Alex Mitchell on Wednesday.
Western's program to help train school counselors apparently got the attention of the White House. Dunn says the goal is to train more counselors, but also make sure that their training is up to date. He says many students and their families are not familiar with the various forms and programs available.
On other topics:
Tobacco Free Campus
Beginning in September, Western Michigan University officially became a tobacco free campus. Dunn says he is pleased with the change so far. The President says his data analysis, the number of cigarette butts he sees on the steps of the Bernhard Center at lunch time, shows a significant drop. Dunn says although the university did not ask people to stop smoking, he has heard from three staff members who have decided to quit because of the policy change. Dunn says for now he doesn't see a need for strict enforcement or discipline for violations of the policy.
New Medical School and Law School Affiliation
Dunn says the Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine and the Thomas M. Cooley Law School will both create new opportunities for students. He expects the medical school which welcomed its first students this fall, to be considered one of the finest in the nation in coming years. Dunn says the affiliation with Cooley Law School allows people to pursue a law degree while they are still working.
Football
Western Michigan's football program has enjoyed a major turn around this season, winning eight games, and now awaiting a bowl invitation. The Sporting News identified head coach P.J. Fleckas one of 10 possible replacements for University of Michigan's fired coach Brady Hoke. Fleck downplayed the possibility, and said he is happy at Western. Dunn says it's not surprising that Fleck's name would come up for other coaching jobs. But Dunn says he believes Fleck wants to build a legacy at Western. Dunn says Fleck is young, "why rush it."
Sexual Assault on College Campuses
Western Michigan University is not among the universities begin investigated by the federal government for its handling of sexual assault cases. Asked about changes at the university, Dunn says a consulting firm is working with the university on its policies related to Title IX and reporting of sexual assaults on campus. He says there are some very confusing guidelines from the federal government. Dunn says the university needs to treat the victim as the first and most important person in any case.
Moving Through College
A new study finds it is becoming more difficult for college students to complete their bachelor's degree in four years. Dunn says there are many complicating factors. He says some students choose to take a lighter course load, and maybe doing so because they have to work while going to college. Dunn says Western needs to be responsive to students however long it takes to them to finish their degree.
Enrollment
The latest enrollment numbers showed a slight decline for Western from a year ago. Dunn says colleges and universities in Michigan are facing challenges because of a drop in population and fewer high school graduates. He says there is some good news, including more out of state andinternational students. Dunn says the university is looking at "porting" more programs to other areas. He says Cooley Law School's facilities in Florida open up some possibilities. Dunn says there are also possible international collaborations in the future. But Western's President says the university can't lose money on those programs.
