Brewing better connections: Coffee with the dean to enhance admin-student communication

Effective communication is pivotal in nurturing a supportive learning atmosphere. At the University of Saskatchewan's College of Dentistry, traditional methods like emails and meetings seemed inadequate in engaging all students. Concerns stemmed from power dynamics and limited dialogue avenues. To bridge this gap, an innovative solution emerged. Introducing "Coffee with the Dean": A bi-weekly event fostering informal discussions between students and the dean. Set in a relaxed ambiance, students openly covered diverse topics. The project aimed to foster transparent communication and bolster a sense of unity. Implemented over six months, the initiative saw significant outcomes. Assessment involved an anonymous survey to DMD students, garnering a 34% response rate. Impressively, 89% acknowledged enhanced communication, with 53% and 23% expressing high and moderate satisfaction in asking questions and providing feedback. Moreover, 67% displayed a likelihood to attend future sessions. A notable 89% appreciated the project's community-building impact. Although challenges emerged, including scheduling and participation constraints, the project achieved its goal. The casual setup facilitated student expression and prompted insightful exchanges. The experience emphasizes the importance of secure dialogue spaces and consistent communication channels. "Coffee with the Dean" stands as a potent tool for heightened student-administration interaction. Its role in elevating communication aligns with the quest for educational excellence, ensuring holistic student growth.