Campus leaders are largely satisfied with the level of student response to the steering committee recommendations so far and feel the Student Response Task Force will be successful in garnering more input.
Leaders interviewed by The Dartmouth cited the administration's efforts to open up a number of venues and forums for students to express their views as a cause for the high level of student interest.
"I think there are a number of different means where students can express themselves," Vice President of the Student Assembly Margaret Kuecker '01 said. She said that although the attendance at individual forums is not very high, the overall number of students participating is impressive.
Many leaders said the level of student interest was reflected by the high turnout at Student Assembly meetings on Tuesdays. The Assembly has earmarked specific days for discussing every recommendation of the report; the one last Tuesday, discussing Recommendation Four calling for "substantial changes" to the Greek system, attracted approximately 80 students.
While there is evidence of downward trends in student interest -- reflected by decreasing attendance at the fireside chats and a near-empty student leader meeting held by Dean of the College James Larimore this Monday -- opinions varied on why this is the case.
Some students attributed the decreasing numbers to mid-term exams and papers, predicting the response rate will go up as the February 25 deadline approaches.
On the other hand, asserting that most students are pleased the with the recommendations, Kuecker said, "It's a lot harder to express positive reactions than negative reactions."
Students praised the Task Force's diverse composition and ongoing efforts to encourage response to the recommendations. They also praised Dean of the College James Larimore's efforts to meet campus organizations to seek student input.
Former Assembly President Josh Green '00 said the committee has been "doing all the right things" after the Initiative was poorly handled last February by the administration.
Although leaders interviewed by The Dartmouth appreciated the interest students have taken to carefully read the report, many felt student need to be more objective in their assessments.
According to Teresa Knoedler '00, students have been caught up in an emotional response to the report and need to think of it "very critically and academically."
Campus leaders also expressed the need for students to suggest other creative options for Dartmouth's social life.
"Students are in a criticizing mode," Kuecker said. "It's time to shift towards suggesting alternate solutions."
Class Council Presidents are also involved with encouraging students to share their input with the committee. 2001 Class Council President Collin O'Mara told The Dartmouth that the Council will be sending mailings to all off-campus students to share their input on the report.
The 2000 Class council has also invited a trustee to join the graduating class for Senior Tails in an effort to garner their response.
