A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about the Student Success Kits that are mailed to each new student at Western Governors University. The kits include practical tools to help these students succeed at an online university, including a webcam. But more importantly, the act of receiving — and unpacking those kits — have become a “peak moment” for these students, as evidenced by numerous posts on social media. Dan Heath, co-author of “The Power of Moments,” explains why building those peaks is so important in this 4-minute video … (see if you can spot my childhood doppleganger) … … and if you liked that video, the next one talks about creating peak moments in schools. So the Western Governors Student Success Kit got me wondering: What might we include in Virginia Western’s version? Two of our colleagues were inspired enough to share some suggestions by email. I’ve posted their ideas here with their permission: Jeffrey Kamal, Academic Link Program Assistant, writes: I had several ideas for a student success kit. Then I thought more about it and asked myself, “What could VWCC include in a student success kit that’s different from WGU’s and cost-effective?” Here are my ideas so… Continue Reading Thanks for sharing your creative Student Success Kit ideasRead More
Perhaps this idea has floated around campus before … but I thought I’d share a noteworthy nugget that popped into my Twitter stream. Apparently all new students at Western Governors University (WGU) — an online university — are mailed a Student Success Kit at the beginning of their first term. I know this because WGU retweeted one of their students, who wrote: Finally got my Student Success Kit from @westerngovernorsu and I’m so excited! They definitely understand the need for coffee. I’ve already had some very early mornings and late nights, but I’m loving every minute of school so far. #liquidmotivation #wgu #teacherscollege #momoffour So what’s inside? The WGU Student Success Kit includes: A webcam for taking online proctored exams (with instructions)Dry-erase whiteboard and markerWGU-branded swag (such as that plastic coffee mug referenced above and a “do not disturb” door sign) I’m struck by how excited students are when they receive the kit … excited enough to post Instagram and YouTube videos as they unpack their boxes. Watch one of those “unboxing” videos here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNjvnK0TOYA Besides serving a practical function — giving students the tools they need to succeed with a distance learning program — the kits also create an emotional experience. Why is this… Continue Reading What would you put in a Virginia Western Student Success Kit?Read More
If you’ve ever been in my office in Fishburn, you probably noticed my bulletin board. Half of it is designated as an “Idea Shelf” — where I jot down creative thoughts to use for later. The other half prominently features a Busch Gardens park map. Let me explain. Months ago, as our office brainstormed through a big grant opportunity, we were discussing the college’s strengths, weaknesses, and wicked problems. I let my corny humor take over. As legendary ad exec David Ogilvy once said, “The best ideas come as jokes.” So I started drawing. When I think about Virginia Western, I immediately think of bridges … especially since we have a giant bridge over Colonial Avenue. So when I started sketching out bridges to all of our programs and connections with our community, my sketch started to look like a theme park map. And I love a good theme park. Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Universal Islands of Adventure in Orlando are among my favorites. Soooo … please forgive my crude doodles, but I tried to imagine Virginia Western as if we were a theme park: Some questions I had to consider as I drew my map: How would we design… Continue Reading If Virginia Western were a theme park …Read More
About Shelley
Shelley Lyons is glad to be back on campus as she is a Virginia Western alum, and has served as the Administrative Officer for Grants Administration at Virginia Western since early 2022. Prior to VWCC, her career focus was within the Human Services and Arts fields. She wrote her first grant in 1996 on a whim and has continued to plan and learn since that time. She most enjoys seeing a well-planned project come to fruition, where funder, project manager and beneficiaries can all feel success and see impact.
Recent Posts
- Have you heard? October 28, 2024
- The Game of Life – Innovation Edition! August 29, 2024
- Why Try An LOI? May 10, 2024
- Grant Nerds Unite! March 12, 2024
- The Power of Collaboration November 17, 2023