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Dear undergraduates,
We hope this message finds you in good health and spirits. We are writing today to describe ongoing efforts to include student feedback in our planning for the 2020-21 academic year.
Our teams in Undergraduate Education and Student Affairs are eager to understand the wide range of sentiments and decision points for students and their families. The more we can know about the issues that drive your decisions—whether you plan to be physically present in Durham or to engage remotely with Duke this fall—the more we can successfully partner with you for a safe start to the academic year. Our outreach to date includes the Fall 2020 Planning Survey we sent out to the student body on Monday, June 8th. Over 3,200 of you ranked your top areas of concern regarding returning to campus and adherence to health and safety expectations. Our team has analyzed these data, some of which can be found in this initial survey summary, and provided them to senior Duke leaders.
Additionally, we have convened a group of undergraduate student leaders to offer direct commentary and input on university plans through the 2021 Student Advisory Board (SAB). The SAB team (members listed below) met for the first time last Monday, June 15. We are grateful to the SAB for their input, which ensures that student voices are a sustained and well-connected part of the decision-making process.
Now through early August, the 2021 SAB will conduct one to two “deep-dives” every week. They will meet with leaders from various campus units (i.e. Dining, Facilities, Health and Wellness, Housing and Residence Life, Identity and Cultural Centers, Registrar’s Office, etc.) and hear these teams' latest thinking for fall. Subsequently, the 2021 SAB will provide written feedback from the student perspective and recommendations to assist these units. Through the 2021 SAB, we will also seek additional student voices. The Board plans to conduct roundtable discussions in the coming weeks with various student organizations, including but not limited to: identity and affinity groups, Duke LIFE, International Association, mental health groups, and religious life groups. As your peers surface key concerns during roundtable chats, the 2021 SAB and our team will follow up with relevant campus units, convey these points, and identify action items as needed. Lastly, undergraduates from the SAB are also joining other key decision-making groups, including the Fall 2020 Student Policies and Expectations Working Group, which will be determining student health and safety-related guidance and community commitments, working in cooperation with the Duke Compact Group.
The 2021 Student Advisory Board includes the following individuals:
- Co-Chair Shrey Majmudar, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Duke Student Government
- Co-Chair Li-Chen Chin, Assistant Vice President for Intercultural Programs, Division of Student Affairs
- A.G. Chancellor IV, Undergraduate Conduct Board
- Annie Roberts, RA Leadership Council and Co-Chair of Duke University Student Dining Advisory Committee
- Carlos Diaz, President of Mi Gente
- Ellie Winslow, Varsity Swimming & Diving and Duke Student-Athlete Advisory Committee
- Lauren Willis, Multicultural Greek Council and President of aKDPhi
- Madison Alvarado, President of NeuroCare
- Omar Benallal, DSG Co-Director of Racial and Multicultural Diversity and Outreach
- Sarah Kane, Co-President of Duke LIFE and Co-Chair of the Human Rights Student Advisory Board
- Tanisha Nalavadi, DSG Director of International Outreach & Policy
- Ysanne Spence, DUU Vice President of External Affairs
Should you have any feedback or concerns regarding the upcoming academic year, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the 2021 Student Advisory Board at 2021SAB@duke.edu, or directly contact a co-chair or member you are comfortable approaching. Be assured the 2021 SAB will do its best to ensure your feedback or concern is heard and taken into account.
As we get closer to the fall semester, we will identify additional opportunities for you to hear directly from us and Duke leadership and to share your feedback. In the meantime, we want to express our profound thanks to the 2021 Student Advisory Board and to all who are engaging in the planning process.
Go Duke!
Gary Bennett
Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education
Mary Pat McMahon
Vice Provost for Student Affairs
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