Central Washington University Board of Trustees October 17, 2019 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY – Gen Alpha Discussion
In July the board, the board reviewed the university’s mission, vision, and values, discussing challenges coming to CWU over the next decade. Chief among these was the change in student demographics, and corresponding expectations and needs for teaching and learning. Ensuring CWU’s climate, teaching and support are relevant to these students will be essential to ensure the university’s sustainability. Though CWU always has needed to adapt and change to new generations, the focus now is on preparing for “Generation Alpha,” children born between 2011 and 2025. Gen Alpha is expected to be more diverse than any before, and also to experience most aspects of their lives through some technological interface: Many alphas will have a digital footprint before they even understand the term…Generation Alpha is the first group who will be immersed in technology their entire lives. These kids are also referred to as the Glass Generation as their glass-fronted devices will be their main medium of communication. 1 The Office of the President and the Faculty Senate have organized a panel of individuals who are well informed about the need to transition teaching and support methodologies for “Generation Alpha.” Faculty Senate Chair Walter Szeliga will moderate the panel, which will include the following individuals: • Bob Lupton, Chair, Department of Information Technology and Administrative Management The board also have been provided a book that delves deep into the subject of what to expect from the new generation. The College Dropout Scandal, by UC Berkeley professor David Kirp. He lays out specific examples of why students drop out and offers practical solutions with demonstrated success. Provost Franken has provided helpful suggestions for discussion topics inspired by this book: IMPROVING RESULTS – AREAS OF MAXIMUM IMPACT • Teaching and Learning • Advising • Campus Climate o Belonging and Growth Mindsets o Attitudinal Adjustments • Shift from “Developmental” to “Supplemental” Math and English • “Glidepaths” from high school to university; community college to university; from first quarter to diploma • Data analytics to target just-in-time interventions and right-size, right-time course offerings • Eric Cheney, Chair, Department of Sociology • Gregg Heinselman, Dean of Student Success • Henry Strom, Superintendent, Grandview School District and CWU alumnus • Katie Boswell, Director, Learning Commons • Teresa Divine, Professor, Department of Political Science
1 Khumo Theko, “Meet Generation Alpha,” accessed Oct. 7, 2019, https://www.fluxtrends.com/meet-generation- alpha/
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