WVU enrollment climbs every year. During my undergraduate career here at WVU, I have wondered why more people from all over the country come to WVU and why more students are staying here. I learned a lot about this subject at the second ROSS meeting I attended last Wednesday. Actually, many people spend a lot of time searching for solutions to retention problems.
This meeting was largely about new ideas, including a new commuter lounge, facebook commuter profile, and commuter handbook (that I am working on). When Brian first asked me if I would like to attend the meetings, I was somewhat hesitant. I wasn't sure if I could make any relevant contributions, but I now realize that my contributions aren't necessarily important. The 'big picture' is about listening to others' opinions and learning what's going on in your department.
Aside from hearing new ideas about retention, the members of this committee had previously looked over the commuter handbook and gave me several helpful suggestions. In PWE courses, we peer review each other's work all the time; however, this situation is different. My reviewers had very practical comments and did not make stylistic suggestions.
Aside from communication, I observed a valuable skill in this meeting: learning to listen. The setting does not have to be a conference room. I can imagine applying this skill in an office talking to a coworker or on the phone with a client.
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Nice point, Jennifer. If I'm remembering correctly, this post is at least the second time you've discussed listening as an important skill in collaborative/organizational work. I'm not sure how you rcould trace and/or reconstruct this material, but I'd be interested in hearing more about what all you're doing mentally as you listen during these meetings. Of course you're "hearing" the words that the people are saying, but what are you doing mentally as you take in these words. For example, are you identifying/analyzing the questions or concerns that inform their comments? Are you reflecting on the assumptions that informed your own approaches to documents you've created and how these assumptions do or do not jive with those of the other people at these meetings? Brainstorming ideas for addressing their questions or concerns in the documents you're creating? Something else?
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