Student leaders voice concerns at Intercom
The heads of several major campus organizations gathered at an Intercom dinner aimed at pooling student ideas.
Emily Turner
Staff Reporter

Students suggested ways to create ethical leaders at Intercom’s first Collaborative Community Dinner Thursday. Their videotaped discussion will be presented to the Board of Trustees in November.

Intercom, which consists of presidents of major organizations on campus, welcomed 152 students, faculty, staff and administrators to the dinner at the Dee J. Kelly Alumni Center and served as an opportunity to honor student leaders, said Student Government Association President Chelsea Hudson.

At the dinner, students answered questions about their experiences inside and out of the classroom and discussed how to improve student life and leadership. Some of their ideas included increasing diversity by having professors talk about current affairs during class time and encouraging greater participation in study abroad programs.

In the past, Intercom has been responsible for presenting students’ concerns to the Board once every semester, said Hudson, a senior political science major. A larger number of students attending the dinner provides the Board with a greater idea of all student concerns about the future of the university, she said.

“During the planning phase this type of program doesn’t appear to be that significant until it actually happens,” Hudson said. “This is historical.”

William Moncrief, associate senior dean of the M.J. Neeley School of Business, served as the event’s keynote speaker and stressed the importance of community and student involvement.

“You in this room are the heart and soul of TCU,” Moncrief told those in attendance. “It’s your commitment and leadership that makes TCU.”

Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Don Mills said the dinner should give the Trustees a broader perspective about the student body while honoring a variety of students.

“I think we honor student leaders in our own ways at TCU,” said Mills, who is an Intercom advisor. “One of the best ways student leaders are honored is when they are asked their opinion.”

Besides all Intercom members, Darron Turner, assistant dean for student affairs, encouraged Intercom to invite leaders from all campus organizations.

“I suggested that they make sure that they pulled from a variety of groups on campus and the list is not just about organizations you hear about all the time,” Turner said.

“Leaders from academic, honor societies, religious, cultural and Greek organizations all need to be present."

e.l.turner@tcu.edu