Amanda Crouse
News Editor
The Voice reached out to representatives from all 28 departments and Wooster-specific programs listed in the spring 2026 approval ratings survey to request statements on the survey’s results. Departments were given until Monday, April 20 at 12 p.m. to submit responses via email.
Of the departments and programs that received approval ratings of 70% or higher, two responded to requests for comment. Charlie Polinko of Study Abroad and TREK said the programs’ success was due in large part to “strong collaboration between faculty leaders, campus partners and our international partners abroad, as well as students’ continued enthusiasm for immersive learning experiences.” He added that goals for the future include “maintaining program quality, expand access and affordability, and continue strengthening preparation and support for students before, during, and after their time abroad.”
In response to the Writing Center’s 72% approval rating, Alicia Brazeau, director of the department, gave credit to student writing consultants, “who are not only experienced writers, but also kind, welcoming people who genuinely enjoy working with writing.” Brazeau said that the Writing Center plans to introduce a new program in fall 2026 called “mentor meetings,” which will allow students to meet weekly with peer consultants as part of a quarter-credit writing studio course.
Four representatives from departments and programs with approval ratings between 50% and 69% replied with comments. From the Academic Resource Center (ARC, 68%), Amber Larson said that “the ARC is proud to receive a high rating, reflecting our commitment to student success.”
Brian Webb, director of the Office of Sustainability (which received a 69% approval rating), cited student interns as some of the department’s most valuable assets. “We try to create many diverse ways that students can engage with sustainability on campus,” he added.
Dining Services ratings varied among its four locations. Lowry Dining Hall received a disapproval rating of 55%, while MacLeod’s, Old Main Café and Knowlton Science Café had approval ratings of 64%, 56% and 64%, respectively. Marjorie Shamp, director of Dining Services, said of the ratings, “It is great to see that the menu changes made at Knowlton Cafe, Old Main Cafe and MacLeod’s C-store have been well received. The work to enhance and improve all aspects of the dining program is ongoing, and we value your input.”
On behalf of the Office of Residence Life (which received an approval rating of 50%), Johnathon Reynolds, ResLife director, said that he has noticed the department’s ratings improving as campus housing improves. “We know that a student having comfortable living increase their overall commitment to the College and improves overall happiness,” Reynolds said. “ … this continues to be a priority in our work.” Reynolds also mentioned some of the recent changes ResLife has made to campus housing, such as the replacement of Kenarden Lodge’s lounge furniture and the installation of air conditioning units in Wagner Hall’s basement (both of which were completed during spring break), as well as the 2023-2025 renovation of Douglass Hall.
Of the five departments with ratings of disapproval that met or exceeded 30%, four provided responses. Alexa Konstantinos, vice president of marketing and communications for the College, provided a statement from President Anne McCall and the Office of the President. McCall thanked students for their participation in the survey and said that “Hearing directly from students … is an important part of how I understand your experience at Wooster.”
McCall continued, “The College of Wooster has recently undertaken difficult but necessary changes, and I recognize that periods of change can influence how you experience our College and my leadership.” However, she added that the rating for the College itself (which received 32% disapproval and 47% approval) is encouraging, as it “reflects the daily work of our faculty and staff who are deeply committed to this community of learning we all share.”
In the future, McCall said that her aim is to keep the long-term needs of the College in mind while taking student input into account. “I know that trust is built over time, and I welcome your conversations as the semester continues,” McCall stated in closing.
Dana Kennedy, director of the Financial Aid Office (which had a 33% rating of disapproval), said that the department was disappointed to see their rating, but that “our team remains committed to supporting students and providing clear, responsive service within college policies.” In reference to the College’s increase in tuition for the 2026-2027 academic year, Kennedy said, “While tuition decisions are made at the institutional level, our office continues to focus on helping students navigate costs, understand their options, and access available resources.”
Scott Parillo, director of International Student Services, responded to a request for comment on the department’s 60% neutral rating. “Thank you for this data. We are always looking for ways to better serve our students,” Parillo said.
The offices of APEX, Athletics, Campus Safety, Center for Belonging & Intercultural Dialogue, Dean of Students, Equity & Belonging, Faculty, Libraries, Longbrake Wellness Center, Registrar, Religious and Spiritual Life, Scot Council and Student Engagement did not respond to a request for comment. Representatives from the First-Year Seminar, Independent Study, Fraternity and Sorority Life, and Pathways programs also did not respond to a request for comment. Thank you to the directors and representatives who chose to provide statements on the Voice’s approval ratings results.
