On Sept. 23, Chancellor Rebecca Chopp hosted the event “Conversations with the Chancellor” in Sturm Hall. The event was an opportunity for students, faculty and staff members to learn more about the newly-appointed chancellor and ask questions about issues that were concerning them. The event was attended by approximately 150 people.

Chopp said she believes there are three main things that set DU apart from other universities.

“DU is a sweet spot for higher education,” said Chopp. “I believe that the future is in mid-sized universities. It allows for students and professors to talk to one another. There is much to learn from one another.”

According to Chopp, students need to have engagement with faculty and feel as though their opinions are being taken seriously. Chopp also believes that Denver is an emerging city full of Millennials. According to Chopp, the Millennial generation will play a big part in how DU is going to continue to improve.

“The Millennial generation thinks differently,” said Chopp. “Denver is the fourth startup city in the country with the ability to think along with this new generation.”

According to Chopp, DU is at a tipping point. In order to continue forward, Chopp believes DU needs to look at issues of how people team up and teach.

“We at DU can be one of the major players of how we need to change,” said Chopp. “In order to accomplish that we need to take a look at what kinds of needs we have and how we are going to change.”

Chopp then opened the discussion to the audience to see what kind of concerns the students, faculty and staff had. One issue that was brought up was the mentality surrounding liberal arts.

“I believe liberal arts are at an important point for now for employers,” said Chopp. “Everyone should have experience with liberal arts, when you think about what you need to solve problems, you need abilities that liberal arts can teach you. Democracy can’t just live on voting.”

Chopp’s repeated goal throughout the event was that students need to feel as though they are being given the tools they need to succeed. When asked about the issue of international students having trouble adjusting to U.S. culture, Chopp emphasized the importance of helping international students thrive.

Chopp believes that DU has many aspirations and the questions of her plans for DU are a reflection of that.
“Students are proud to be here at DU, even with their concerns,” said Chopp. “You can’t purchase that.”