The student town hall at Viterbo University met January 28 in the Brophy Center to provide a platform for students and faculty to engage in critical discussions about financial stability, student retention, communication, and overall student experience. The event highlighted key concerns raised by students and the university’s efforts to address them.
One of the major topics of discussion was the financial status of the university. Kirsten Gabriel, Vice President of Student Affairs, assured students that Viterbo remains financially stable and that no programs, including athletics, are facing more budget cuts. “We want to make sure students know that Viterbo is in a good place financially,” Gabriel stated during the student town hall. However, concerns were raised about tuition increases and how those decisions are made. Student attendees expressed a need for greater transparency regarding financial aid and tuition adjustments.
The Board of Trustees, which meets three times a year, has been working on making education more affordable. A recurring theme during the discussion was the need to improve communication regarding financial aid packages. “A lot of students feel like they don’t get a clear breakdown of what they’re actually paying for,” said Ella Sans Crainte, mentioning concerns about students feeling pressured to search for more affordable school alternatives.
A key takeaway from the town hall was the importance of clear and transparent communication between the administration and students. Tonya Wagner, Vice President of Academic Affairs, acknowledged that efforts are being made to center students in discussions. Students present during the town hall expressed that they feel more connected to the university when there is transparency about decisions made by the Board of Trustees.
Gwendolyn Mahoney highlights the significance of ensuring degrees maintain their value, which can only happen if students feel they are part of a reputable and well-supported academic institution. “We need to feel like our degrees and the programs offered will be of the same quality for future students,” she states. The Student Government Association (SGA) newsletter was pointed out as a strong method of keeping students informed, but many suggested additional measures such as frequent email updates and more student town halls to facilitate open communication.
Retention was another major concern discussed at the town hall. A student present noted the lack of student participation in key events such as SGA elections, which has led to a call for greater involvement in campus student governance. “It would be more beneficial if we had a wider student body point of view,” Sans Crainte emphasizes. The Student Retention Committee shared that financial difficulties and mental health struggles are primary factors affecting student retention, with the university currently maintaining a 76% retention rate, just shy of its 80% goal.
To improve retention, the committee stressed the need for an inclusive approach, ensuring that students feel like they belong. Small class sizes and tight-knit communities are cited as key factors in student satisfaction. “Student voices, student advocates on committees provides that student perspective is something that is really valuable,” suggests Mahoney, advocating for students to be actively included in committees and teams to foster stronger connections within the university.
Wagner and Gabriel addressed long-term planning efforts at Viterbo, emphasizing that the university’s financial health is strong. This includes no additional faculty cuts being planned. Unlike many other universities, Viterbo does not hold long-term debt, a unique advantage that ensures financial stability for future generations of students.
Students present at the town hall voiced concerns about the impact of faculty reductions on their academic experiences. “Viterbo professors are accessible and truly care about students, but losing faculty in key areas like education and science is concerning,” states Mahoney, urging for improved communication regarding faculty reductions.
Platforms like Viterbo Speaks Up allow students to anonymously report concerns related to discrimination, harassment, and other issues. “We encourage students to use these tools to ensure their voices are heard and their concerns addressed,” Mahoney states. She also urges students to attend SGA meetings to voice their concerns directly.
The town hall concluded with a call for continued improvement in communication and transparency. Many students, including Sans Crainte, expresses frustration over the lack of detailed information provided about budget allocations and tuition hikes. “We want to understand where our money is going, and right now it feels like that information isn’t clear,” she states. There was a general consensus that while the university has made strides in addressing student concerns, more needs to be done to keep students informed and engaged.
To foster a stronger sense of community and involvement, students suggest more frequent town halls with incentives to encourage participation. Additionally, they emphasize the need for clearer communication regarding faculty changes, tuition adjustments, and student organization opportunities.
The student town hall served as a valuable opportunity for students and faculty to openly discuss the challenges facing Viterbo University. While concerns remain, the event demonstrates a commitment to addressing these issues and ensuring that students feel heard and supported in their academic journey. “These discussions are just the beginning; we need to keep pushing for change,” one student concludes. The hope is that continued dialogue, and collaboration will lead to meaningful changes that enhance the overall student experience at Viterbo.
