Beloit College Magazine

Spring 2001 Contents

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From The President

The quiet of the Beloit campus in late afternoon belies an energetic excitement found in every building. In the eight months I have been on campus, I have watched a vibrant community—both on campus and off—enhancing the life of Beloit.

Many recent events are noted in this issue of Beloit College Magazine—everything from Beloit’s national recognition for engaging students in the academic process to local recognition for contributions that advance the community’s future.

I would like to draw attention to two items—the engagement of our students in the academic process and the strategic planning process now underway at the College.

First, with regard to student engagement, Beloit was recently recognized as one of only four colleges that rank in the top 20% in five benchmark areas that measure qualities that matter in student learning. This data from the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) is discussed in an article on page two. I think, though, it deserves special emphasis, as this is a study that asks students themselves about the learning process on their respective campuses. We find ourselves in an elite group because we practice what we preach—small class sizes and excellent faculty, to assure active student participation in the academic life of the campus.

Students are engaged at Beloit; part of the vibrancy of this campus comes from the many co-curricular activities of our students, and much comes from their academic and intellectual interactions with faculty. Beloit is a community of learners. We have a wonderfully diverse group of students here who appreciate opportunities offered to them to learn how to learn.

Second, we have begun the process of strategic planning at Beloit College. A dedicated committee of 10 individuals is looking at some of the most critical questions that will face the College over the next five to10 years. The Strategic Planning Committee has already met three times and will hold future meetings as we grapple with what is distinctive and special about Beloit College and try to determine how to enhance our many positive qualities. I direct all readers to our Web page, where you can learn more about the Strategic Planning Committee and answer questions about Beloit College that will directly assist the committee in its deliberations. Log on and get involved. Plan also to provide input at the public forums we are planning, or send me a letter or email (burrisj@beloit.edu) that outlines what you see as important for the future of this great institution.

In addition to the many curricular and co-curricular activities of our students, faculty, and staff, there are some visible physical changes coming to campus in the next few months. If you are here this summer, be prepared for the reconstruction of the streets surrounding the College, starting the week after commencement. Once you are on campus, please note the energy-efficient and attractive new windows installed in a number of campus buildings as the result of a generous gift from an alumnus. (By the way, like institutions and homeowners throughout the country, the College has been hit with high energy costs this year, with almost three-quarters of the heating budget being expended in December alone. These new windows will make a big difference.)

Beloit College is a constantly changing place; the energy of our students, faculty, and staff ensures that we will always be a place of engagement and a place willing to accept positive change. When you are next on campus, please stop by my office in Middle College to discuss your ideas and learn more about our wonderful college.

- John E. Burris


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John E. Burris - President of Beloit College
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