Challenge 3

FY12 implementation steps are presented for each goal supporting Challenge 3 within the strategic plan.

Goal 1:  Forge lifelong relationships with W&M.

• Through expanded outreach to graduate students, assure that new graduate students identify not only with their programs/schools but also with the College as a whole by encouraging graduate student participation in major institution-wide events (Convocation, Yule Log, Charter Day etc.). (Ambler)
• Continue to engage alumni of the College representing various employment sectors through active service on the Cohen Career Center Employer Advisory Board, tapping into their expertise and professional/alumni networks. (Career Center, Ambler)
• Build information system to identify alumni interests and willingness to participate in W&M events (mentoring, classes, services opportunities, etc.). (Coordinating Group, Alumni Association)
• Continue to create opportunities for alumni to be on campus fostering a bonding to place.  Submit a plan to the president that outlines the necessary resources and partnerships that must be in place to move all Homecoming activities, including reunion receptions, back to campus. (Alumni Association)
• Expand opportunities for presentations by faculty and students on their research and scholarship activities in chapters throughout the country.  (Alumni Association, Development Office, Halleran)
• Explore feasibility of creating a searchable database of information on alumni (including college activities and current careers) that faculty can access in order to help them serve as intermediaries, facilitating contacts between their current and former students. (Alumni Association, Career Services)
• Establish a fund to expand/upgrade Homecoming events for alumni put on by departments/programs. (Alumni Association)
• Develop procedures for considering student perspectives as traditions are adapted to foster stronger connections to the College. (Coordinating Group)
• Establish a pilot program to connect each entering freshman to an alumnus/mentor matched through established criteria, e.g., interest/program/major. (Alumni Association)
• Anticipating the opening of new fraternity houses on campus, work to strengthen connections between active members and fraternity alumni, in order to form strong House Boards that will ensure on-going success of the new facilities, maintaining the houses as a source of unity and pride for brothers. (Ambler, Arseneau) 

Goal 2: Create a community that values life in balance.

• Continue implementation of leadership development strategies. Propose, support and implement innovative strategies for expanded student leadership development. (Ambler) 
• Following the work of the President’s Honor System Review Committee (report due June 2011), support the Honor Councils in conducting an education campaign to strengthen the spirit of and commitment to honor throughout the learning community. (Ambler) 
• Ensure that students have the opportunity to participate in the full range of varsity sports, club teams, intramural teams, and personal fitness at levels appropriate to their skills and interests.  (Driscoll, Knight) 
• Counseling Center will provide enhanced educational/prevention outreach to students, staff  and faculty related to depression, suicide prevention, and other mood disorders. (Ambler, Mann) 
• Hire a full-time psychiatrist to work out of the Student Health Center. (Ambler) 
• Assemble a small think-tank of W&M faculty and staff to explore ways in which the values of "well-being" and "life balance" could be integrated across the institution, in both the academic and the co-curricular/student life arenas. (Ambler) 
• Engage a national consultant with experience in helping organizations embed the values of personal well-being into all aspects of the organization's activity and identity. (Ambler)

Goal 3: Improve the campus residential experience.

• Continue design and construction planning for housing (200-250 bed spaces) on campus that will enhance the residential experience of students in the Greek-letter community. (Ambler, Martin, Jones) 
• Identify possibilities for new or expanded public social space on campus, so as to increase the opportunities for students to gather in an informal and pleasant setting. (Martin, Ambler) 
• Residence Life will collaborate with the Special Interest Housing Committee to ensure the living learning communities are operating according to their stated goals and providing learning experiences for residents of their programs. This will include stronger communication with the faculty and administrators who manage these programs. (Ambler) 
• Reinvigorate the First Year Experience Program, including a special focus on Extended Orientation. (Ambler)