Board of Regents Update

The Board of Regents meetings are held three times in the academic year. Four student representatives serve on the board of regents from different organizations around campus. The Student representatives this year are Jaymie McGrath, Student Activities Council President Junette Maxis, Diversity Center Representative; Mitch Zoelzer, Student Senate President; and Sarah Stadie, Church Council President.

The fall meeting was held on campus Oct. 23 and 24. There were many topics of discussion during the meetings. Some of the main conversations discussed were sustainability, renovations of Towers and new marketing techniques for Luther. Speaking of sustainability, the Board approved moving forward with the wind turbine project. In regard to the new marketing techniques, the administration is working on enhancing the Luther Web site. One specific update has been the addition of a parents’ page at http//luther.edu/parents.

The Regents are also looking at developing a new type of “non-traditional” course. This new course would involve a small group of second year students working for a whole semester with a couple of faculty members — studying one particular topic. This course would be taught outside of conventional class schedules and blocks. The class would include field trips, seminars, hands-on learning opportunities, etc. The multiple faculty component would allow for an inter-disciplinary focus as well. This course would cover most of the credit hours needed in a semester. However, the student would still have a chance to take an additional class. Administration is still working out the logistics but hoping to test it out in the coming year.

We four student representatives are here to help represent the student body. We are interested in what you have concerns about at Luther so we can relay that to the Board of Regents. They are all very passionate about Luther College and want to hear the student’s voices. The next Board of Regents meeting is Feb. 19 and 20. If you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact any of us. We are all very excited to be your representatives to the Board of Regents this year.