��������

I like...

Top themes, in rank order by number of mentions.

1. The Strategy: Appreciation for the strategy itself and the process that created it.

Column C in the spreadsheet

Representative Comments

• I like that we are choosing to follow a differentiating strategy vs. a cost strategy.
• I like the whole process—�������� is doing this the right way. Thank you!
• The bottom-up development of this
• I like this is a top-down initiative.
• Acknowledgement that there is no “one way”
• I like facing hard truths head on.
• I like the vision and the way it was developed.
• I like the frequent town halls.
• Keep going with Think Big.
• The message feels real and appealing.
• I like the student focus on the message.
  

2. Mental Health Focus: Emphasis on mental health and in particular our new approach to intake and stepped care.

Column B in the spreadsheet

Representative Comments

• Student mental health in the forefront
• Stepped care model for mental health
• The unique approach student affairs is taking by implementing stepped care
• I like the idea of intake counselors.
• Emphasis on mental health. It is very much needed. 

3. Whole-Student Focus: The holistic student approach and meeting students where there are  

Column E in the spreadsheet

Representative Comments

• I like focusing on the ‘whole’ student.
• I like that students are at the center of this plan.
• Meeting students where they’re at
• I like that we are talking about our commitments and promises to students.
• I like empowering students.
• Allowing students to be who they are  

4. University College: The university college concept, especially meta majors, making major-changing easier, and providing non-linear college paths  

Column A in the spreadsheet

Representative Comments

• Like…The idea of University College and flexible pathways.
• I love…Yes to meta-majors
• Meta majors sounds smart!
• I love… advising and coordinated care!!
• I like the focus on evolving students’ interests and flexibility toward their career options and choices!
• Helping students change paths
• Supporting non-sequential degree seekers
• I like the ability of students to change majors without as many hurdles.
• Non-linear path is wonderful

5. Wellbeing: The importance of wellbeing for creating a holistic experience and its connection to learning  

Column D in the spreadsheet

Representative Comments

• Like Wellness. “Well people work better.”
• Wellness mind, body, soul
• Love individualized wellness plans
• I like the idea of student wellness, recognizing that it’s critical to learning.
• Like that wellness is becoming a priority in the big picture
• Wellness for students, staff, faculty, adm.
• I like that wellness is now being thought of as a top priority.

6. Flexibility: The focus on being flexible and responsive to students’ evolving needs throughout their college experience  

Column I in the spreadsheet

Representative Comments

• I like that we acknowledge that students’ journeys are not sequential.
• Helping/supporting students change majors
• I like the flexible, customizable approach.

7. Commitment to Culture Change: The commitment to change our culture in order to serve students most effectively  

Column N in the spreadsheet

Representative Comments

• Commitment from senior leadership
• I like the acknowledgment that we need a culture shift.
• I like focus on culture. Humility. Care about students.
• That I heard the phrase “bureaucracy busting”
• I like how we must hold ourselves accountable if we want to be relevant.
• Change is hard but have to take leap

8. Collaboration and Engagement: The collaborative, inclusive and rigorous nature of the process

Column AD in the spreadsheet

Representative Comments

• I like that stakeholders will play a role in change.
• How excited people are
• Listening. To students. To each other.
• I like that this is bringing �������� together.
• I like that so much thought and effort has gone into Think Big.
• I like how everyone is getting together to help solve this.

9. Strengths: Appreciation for focusing on Gallup Strengths as a framework for students to assess where they may most likely succeed.

Column F in the spreadsheet

Representative Comments

• Like Gallup Strengths at orientation
• Like incorporation of strengths
• Focus on Strengths
• I like strengths for all. I have questions.
• I like the idea of using current ‘success’ programs and expanding them.

10. Willingness to Change: The willingness to change, try something new and pursue an ambitious goal  

Column Z in the spreadsheet

Representative Comments

• That we are willing to change and striving to do so
• I like we are being proactive and not settling for just ok.
• I like that this is an ambitious undertaking.
• I like that the effort to do this exists—someone wants to do this.
• Having the hard conversations
• Administration’s enthusiasm

11. Career Focus The focus on career and resumé building from day one

Column R in the spreadsheet

Representative Comments

• More intentional focus on skills within the context of career, not just major choice
• I like the career from day one concept.
• Focus on resumé building
• Resumé building from the start
• I like career readiness aspect