Murray State University is in the process of conceptualizing learning experiences focused on "student centered" experiences and "experiential learning" - quality factors championed by MSU President Dr. Bob Davies as metrics for performance funding is also underway with state education and government leaders. On Sounds Good, Matt Markgraf spoke with Davies about these topics, family weekend and an update on the issue of mold appearing in some of the buildings on campus.
Davies said he looks forward to meeting with parents and students at Family Weekend this weekend at Murray State, and the symphonic concert and orchestra performing Saturday afternoon.
Performance Funding
Two contrasting viewpoints are taking shape in the Kentucky higher education performance funding work group tasked with creating metrics for five-percent of state appropriation for higher ed. According to Davies, at their last meeting, University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto presented a formula that places emphasis on the number of graduates. Capilouto has said “the degree is the most important outcome.”
Davies says while quantity should be an aspect, he continues to stress an emphasis on quality. “Quality matters. When we’re on our college campus I routinely stop potential students and I talk to them. Very seldom do I say ‘You’re going to be part of the biggest class ever to graduate.’ No. I talk about the community that is created, the experiences that they will have.”
Davies says he would be ‘adamantly opposed’ to such metrics, and says quality has to be a part of the agreement. “How you set those measures up matters. Because not only is it how are the funds dispersed, it says something about the values of the organization… And if all we care about is the number of diplomas I think we’re going down a very slippery slope. I think we’re heading into an element that is not conducive for growth.”
Davies says though he differs with Capilouto, he respects his counterpart and says the university presidents get along well. He predicts there will be a compromise by the December 1st deadline. Their findings then goes to the Education Committee ahead of the General Assembly.
Performance funding was discussed at length at the Board of Regents meeting in early September. The board also issued a statement supporting Davies' efforts, which said they "emphatically recognize quality" More on this, here.
More from the recent Board of Regents meeting.
"Student Centered"
Davies said through interactions with faculty, staff and students he's looking to define the concept of "student centered" learning, creating a list of ideals for students and educators to be mindful of, including a directive that students must "commit to performing at their peak academically AND assisting other students to perform at their peak" and to "be proactive in meeting and interacting with individuals who 'are not like them' and who represent the diverse and global community."
Setting realistic goals and taking responsibility for actions are other key factors, Davies says, in student centered success. Faculty and staff also have a list that includes goals like "always strive for excellence in teaching and learning" and "make decisions that serve students best interests."
Read the draft document for Student Centered learning here.
"Experiential Learning"
Davies said many academic programs have taken on experiential learning through internships and partnerships and study abroad but says the effort is uneven across campus. He's formed a task force looking at creating an administrative structure that can support both the academic side and student student affairs side finding areas that aren't now involved in experiential learning that could be.
He also said a center for experiential learning may be created on campus as a central destination for this effort.
Mold Issues
Davies said "mold is prevalent in Murray" adding that the issue is not solely a Murray State issue, but region wide due in part to the damp summer. Mold in Springer College was discovered in the pipes in the ceiling after students moved in. The students have since been relocated to other colleges at no additional cost. He said clean up and analysis is underway in Springer and doesn't know yet if it will re-open in the spring. The mold is non-toxic though may have caused some allergy issues.
The Robert E. Johnson Theater also had an issue with mold in the basement costume shop due to flooding. The science building also had some mold last year and work is underway to put in place preventative measures in the biology building.
