Free Lunch!

"Frequent faculty-student contact in and out of the classroom is the most important factor in student motivation and involvement."

-Arthur W. Chickering and Zelda F. Gamson, Eds, (1995)The Seven Principles in Action: Improving Undergraduate Education. Anker Publishing Co



Hello SSCC community members,



We know that the quality of faculty-student relationships is critical to academic success. Student Life supports strengthening these relationships through a program in which students can invite a faculty member to lunch on campus. Students have reported that this is a great opportunity to connect with their instructor to discuss course progress, major choice, career direction, and to receive general support and advice. Here are a few comments from students who had lunch with a faculty member:



“Lunch was great. It gave me a chance to tell my instructor “thank you” for inspiring me to love math and for being a fantastic instructor. Despite me being an older student, I feel the separation between my instructors and myself. The beauty of being able to go sit and have a meal together made it possible to be outside class, comfortable, and have a conversation rather than talk about the class or material. It made her more accessible and it was enjoyable. Thanks!”

“Good program. I enjoyed talking with my instructor outside of class – he was open about the quality of his course & suggestions from students. This enabled me to get to know him as a person as well as teacher.”

“I love the program; it’s a great chance to talk to my instructor one-on-one. And the food is excellent!”



And from a faculty member: “This is a great idea. I rarely have a chance to talk to students on a personal level. I really enjoyed this!”



Students can obtain a Let’s Do Lunch Program application in Student Life, JMB Student Center 135, or on our website: http://studentlife.southseattle.edu/leader.html As part of the application process, students will need the instructor's signature on the application to confirm a lunch appointment has been made, and then a $30 meal ticket for the Cafe Alki, Alhadeff Grill or the cafeteria will be issued to the student. After lunch, we ask that a simple evaluation form also be completed. That's it!



Thank you for announcing and participating in this successful retention and campus climate initiative. Student service and activity fees fund the program. If you have any comments or recommendations, please email us.





Monica Lundberg

Program Manager, Student Leadership

South Seattle Community College

Office of Student Life

6000 16 Ave SW

Seattle, WA 98106

(206)768-6750

mlundberg@sccd.ctc.edu