University Star

Students had the opportunity to meet with Texas State’s highest administrator Tuesday to address any questions or concerns they have with the university.

Warren McAdams, psychology sophomore, speaks with President Denise Trauth Oct. 16 at an open door session in her office at J.C. Kellam.

University President Denise Trauth had 15-minute discussions with six students during her Open Door Session, which is held once per semester. Joanne Smith, vice president for Student Affairs, was also in attendance. Students could only enter Trauth’s office individually, either on behalf of an organization or for personal concerns.

Trauth said a few students who attended the session asked her questions regarding how she manages and leads the university, which is unusual. She said students’ interest in leadership shows they are planning for life after college, as well as success while in school.

Warren McAdams, psychology sophomore, said he asked Trauth about her position as a leader and how she aligns her core values with the school.

“I want to know how she is able to maintain composure in stressful situations and maybe implement her tips in my positions as leader,” McAdams said.

Campus sustainability was another major issue students brought to Trauth, who said the university is actively engaged in energy conservation. The university wants to play its part in the country’s push for energy independence, she said.

Ethan Pfeiffer, applied mathematics senior, brought the Human Environmental Animal Team’s “sustain campaign” to Trauth’s attention.

“(The campaign) has renewable energy on campus as a focal point, as well as recycling and sustainable solutions for a positive impact,” Pfeiffer said. “I really like camping and hunting and being out in the environment and we’re just destroying it.”

Damerick Davis, healthcare administration junior, is a resident assistant at Gaillardia Hall. Davis said he attended the session to express his concerns about residence hall parking on the west side of campus. He said the disconnect between Parking Services and the Department of Housing and Residential Life does a disservice to students.

“I think we should shuttle the faculty in,” Davis said. “The majority is here from eight to five. They move their car once for lunch maybe. The students in the residence halls work and run errands, and they have to get to their car. It’s a hassle. I don’t expect (Trauth) to have an answer, it’s just a suggestion.”

Davis said his conversation with Trauth went well.

Smith said a few students at the session said there is no place they can be directed to find help and focus while applying for graduate school. She said students need a one-stop-shop for graduate school help.

 “Students don’t know what they should be thinking about or what they should do (when applying for graduate school),” Smith said. “We start with our freshmen and sophomores on campus, but as students go out into the world a little bit, then it becomes a little more difficult to get that information about.”

Trauth said more students are going to graduate school, and the administration will work toward a solution. She said the biggest issue would be deciding what should be done regarding the issue.
Trauth said with more than 34,000 students on campus, their concerns can sometimes be generalized, so it is good for her to periodically have “grounded, individual” conversations with them.

“Much of the time what students are looking for is ‘I heard this, I heard that. I want to hear what the president has to say about this,’” Trauth said.