On December 5, 2017, the Division of Undergraduate Education hosted its second Donuts with the Dean event of the school year in the lower level of Taylor Hall. Nearly 100 IUPUI students flocked to claim one of the 15 dozen donuts provided by the division and to interact with Dr. Jay Gladden, dean of University College.
In addition to mingling with Dean Gladden, students had the opportunity to engage with one another, write suggestions or questions for University College leadership on the whiteboards, and discuss their visions for University College. During the event, a video showcasing the highlights of the division’s successful year at IUPUI played on a projector monitor. The event provided a welcome break for students from their hard work of the semester and the stress of final exam week.
David Sabol, a University College lecturer and English professor in the School of Liberal Arts who has been at IUPUI for the past 19 years, brought his entire ENG-W 131 class to the event. This is now the second time he has done so, and Sabol credits this to his duty as a faculty member to serve the student population. He said, “I think this type of engagement with students is so vital to the school’s success. Faculty members are on the frontlines, working directly with students. Because we serve students and administration serves faculty, it’s important that we all work together to create these open lines of communication. As an educator, it’s my job to help administration keep a finger on the pulse and listen to student input.”
The focus of Donuts with the Dean is to serve the student body by providing them with an avenue for affecting change and growth within University College. . . . and donuts, of course!
