Michael Crow responding to political science sophomore Shelby Paneitz's question about issues with ASU's Wi-Fi on Feb. 2, 2015, at the West campus. (Emily Johnson/ The State Press)ASU President Michael Crow answered student questions about topics including ASU Wi-FI problems and graduation rates Monday at a question and answer luncheon at the West campus.
The informal lunch and question session, which 90 students and staff attended, was hosted by Undergraduate Student Government West in hopes of giving all students the opportunity to engage with Crow.
“The biggest news for ASU is the performance of our students,” said Crow. “There has been unbelievable significant improvements in students’ success.”
Crow said the four-year graduation rate for students in Arizona is above 50 percent, which is slightly higher than many older universities around the U.S. Crow added the freshman retention rate is reaching about 90 percent and is something to be proud of, considering many students work part-time.
Crow encouraged students to ask questions whenever they felt a sense of frustration regarding the University.
“Make sure to put your hand up and get a sense of where help can come from,” Crow said. He said he and his colleagues will respond to students' interactions and will work diligently to solve the problem.
Political science sophomore Shelby Paneitz, the vice president of services at the West campus, immediately asked about University-wide Wi-Fi problems students have been experiencing since the start of the spring semester.
“What new initiatives are we going to take to try to correct that so students can have access?” Paneitz asked.
Crow says the problem stems from account issues, more specifically password changes. He promised that he would take the issue to the University Technology Office to get more answers and try to resolve the solution as quickly as possible. In the meantime, he advised students to try changing their passwords.
Deans from all colleges on the West campus attended to help answer students' personal questions.
Michael Crow walking around each table responding to ASU students' questions at the West campus on Feb. 2, 2015. (Emily Johnson/ The State Press)Crow made his way to every table where groups of students were enjoying lunch and personally introduced himself and took their questions.
“I want to hear what students have to say,” Crow said. “For me, it’s both practical and inspirational to see what each student is trying to achieve.”
Crow said the majority of students asked him about academic programs. Ana Terminel Iberri, a recruiter for New College of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences, asked Crow what the University is doing for the undocumented population of students looking to attend ASU.
“He was very friendly and helpful,” Terminel Iberri said. “He said he would give me additional resources to provide to undocumented students if I send him an email with my questions.”
Crow said many students in attendance were working on attaining a double major. He said it was invaluable information to work toward the University’s future when it comes to academic trends.
Howard Waldie IV, student body president on the West campus, said it’s a unique experience for students.
“It’s nice to be able to have the opportunity to work with Dr. Crow and put on an event like this,” Waldie IV said. “It truly speaks about his commitment to the students.”
Reach the reporter at mcasti18@asu.edu.
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