Meet the deans

On Nov. 1, the UTRGV Student Government Association hosted “Meet the Deans” in the University Ballroom on the Edinburg campus, during which students asked questions about their chosen major. 

“We are here to discuss any questions and concerns and ideas for degree options, academic programs and internships,” Kassandra Garcia, SGA senator for the College of Sciences, said during the opening statements. 

Members of the SGA felt that this event would be beneficial to students and faculty. 

“The faculty that is here at UTRGV really cares about its students and [Meet the Deans is] an opportunity for students to get to know about who’s in charge of their education and how they can form connections,” said Jonathan Dominguez, SGA president and a biology senior.

Having a dean in attendance from every college that UTRGV offers was not an easy task, according to Dominguez.

“It required a lot of teamwork [and] a lot of communication,” he said. “It was a three-to-four-month process. I think we started planning for this since August. … It was a long process, but it was also a very rewarding process.” 

A goal for the event was to get representatives from all colleges on both campuses. 

“Some deans have told us, ‘Oh, I can’t go to Edinburg, but somebody else is going to go. But I’ll be at [this event in] Brownsville,’” Garcia said. “If the dean … was not able to be here, they send either an associate dean or somebody who can really convey that information.” 

The event focuses on answering students’ questions about their majors.

“Usually, the deans are just so busy,” Garcia said. “Their calendars are probably booked. … So, during the semester, it might be hard to get a one-on-one meeting. When you’re here, you really can network, bring up any concerns, any questions. You can ask about any opportunity they may have within the college.” 

The deans in attendance agreed.

“I want to be approachable and let [students] know they can give us their input and feedback,” said Criselda Garcia, associate dean for Initial Preparation Programs and Academic Affairs.  “We are here to receive it and use it. We need clear feedback. You be as honest as possible. … Just be completely honest.”

Criselda Garcia spoke about specific issues that students in the College of Education and P-16 Integration tend to face and why interacting with students directly is important to address these concerns. 

“For example, I know we found out that messaging on the [content] test is very difficult,” she said. “It’s deflating. I am from this region and I feel like … I can relate to a lot of their experiences.” 

Other deans agreed.

“Answering [students’] questions in a timely way is very important,” said James Jupp, professor and chair of the department of Teaching & Learning.

Asked if these types of events were beneficial for students, Dominguez replied that they are. 

“It would be beneficial … for all students in the government, and also for all the students in the university in general,” he said.

Kassandra Garcia said meeting with a dean can be intimidating.

“However, deans are really interested in hearing what students want to know, what they want from the college, what they want from the school,” she said. “It’s really going to help the university get to a better place. … Student [voices are] very important.”

“Meet the Deans” on the Brownsville campus will be held from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m. Tuesday in Student Union PlainsCapital Bank El Gran Salón. Snacks will be served.