Feel the Teal: May your holiday be teal and bright!
Feel the Teal is a commitment to service excellence and student success throughout our entire University. Our employees’ dedication to this initiative shines like the holiday lights we see throughout our community this time of year. Our faculty, staff, students, board of trustees, alumni and community make this holiday season even brighter because of what they do for one another and to further the mission of CCU.
A focus group comprised of more than 25 students was brought together on Nov. 13 to determine how they perceive our efforts. Representing various groups and demographics, they gathered to enjoy dinner, share their thoughts and provide feedback about the current level of service offered at CCU. Strengths that were cited by this particular group were approachability of our staff, responsiveness to student needs and inquiries, effectiveness of CHANT411, availability of study abroad programs, and widespread enthusiasm for Teal Tuesdays. They discussed weaknesses as well, including inconsistency of advising throughout the University and its colleges, too many students per class in some cases, and their exclusion from the Feel the Teal training modules. This valuable input will be taken into consideration as we move forward with Feel the Teal.
The students also shared examples of how faculty and staff make special efforts to create unique connections and offer uncommon learning opportunities. Participants in the focus group recognized and applauded two specific faculty members – Associate Professor of Mathematics Keshav Jagannathan and Chair/Professor of Communications, Languages and Cultures Jim Everett – who responded to the recent nice weather by holding classes outside and providing lunch and drinks. Special thanks to them for creating this distinctive classroom experience. I am also thankful for all employees who provide exceptional service and whose attitudes ensure that our students realize they are an intrinsic part of the CCU community.
Coastal Carolina University is like no other, and I credit this in large part to our steadfast commitment to service excellence and student success. We will continue on this path for the new year, and I look forward to your ongoing support of Feel the Teal.
May your holiday season be teal and bright!
Sincerely,
David A. DeCenzo, Ph.D.
President
