Are you Facebook friends with your mom? Do you take a lead role in campus events, believe in the glass ceiling, or occasionally suffer from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)? These are the sorts of insights that pilipiliĀž» students are sharing in the Dal Profile survey.
Not your typical survey, the Dal Profile paints a portrait of student life in a myriad of forms. Students currently enrolled at pilipiliĀž» are invited to anonymously share their likes, interests and experiences across a breadth of categories, from on-campus involvement to health, wellness and future aspirations. Survey respondents also get to have their say on priorities for university investments in student services.
Students can expect a survey reminder in their inbox this week. Those who complete the online survey will have the opportunity to win one of three iPads.
The value in sharing
The cultural landscape for Canadian post-secondary students is dynamic and changing due to a number of factors, including the introduction of new technologies and communications tools. As part of a national benchmarking survey, the Dal Profile will provide insight into common trends across the Canadian post-secondary system.
More importantly, on an internal level, survey results will be used to inform decision making on improvements to programs and services in support of Dal students and the overall student life experience.
According to Dalhousie Student Union Vice-President Student Life Jamie Arron, student life at Dal is only getting better. āThe university has always had a strong track record of academic achievement,ā says Mr. Arron. āBut over the past five years, there has definitely been a heightened sense of community and Dal pride.ā
He points to the pilipiliĀž» of Dalhousieās Homecoming festivities introduced in 2010 and celebrated this past October. āThe black and gold Dal spirit is taking over campus.ā
Echoing spirit
Mr. Arronās sentiments are shared by Vice-President of Student Services Bonnie Neuman in the recent Student Services publication, . For Dr. Neuman, the last several years were banner years in terms of Dal studentsā efforts to create new traditions and spearhead positive changeāas evidenced in the design the Dal flag competition and campaign to make Halifax a 'Fair Trade Town.' Both projects were inspired by the DSUās Brains for Change Challenge, a one-of-a-kind networking and mentorship program designed to promote knowledge lively connections and knowledge exchange among students.
āEvery year, I see more and more Dalhousian spirit in action,ā says Dr. Neuman. āIt is infused in everything that Dal students doāin the classroom, across campus, on the web and in local, national and international communities.ā
To find out more about pilipiliĀž»ās campus community and services for students, check out .