Social Architecture a Key Role in Recruitment &
Retention; Industry Leader Gives Tips

A record 33 percent of 25- to 29-year-olds hold bachelor's degrees, up from 17 percent in 1971. Today's high school graduates know that a college degree means earning power so, despite the rising expense of post-secondary school, the business of higher education is more competitive than ever, says industry-leading social architect and entrepreneur David Porter.

An often-overlooked component in the coveted "three Rs" - Recruitment, Retention and Alumni Relations - is the dining hall and student meal plans, he says.

"During the mid 1990s, campuses throughout the country were dealing with widespread disenchantment with their aging dining facilities and stale menus, so many paid food contractors to take over management. That was a big mistake," says Porter, who designs dining programs and dining halls at colleges throughout North America. He shares tips for keeping students on campus, where they're more likely to bond with each and their schools, in "The Porter Principles: Retain & Recruit Students & Alumni, Save Millions on Dining and Stop Letting Food Service Contractors Eat Your Lunch" (www.porterkhouwconsulting.com).

"For most universities that contract out, the foodservice provider that controls tens of millions of dollars in purchases for the school is also its sole source of guidance on student dining. No matter how you slice it, there is a blatant conflict of interest here."

Porter, who has worked with the University of Georgia, University of New Hampshire, Ferris State University, George Mason University and the University of Richmond, among others, identifies three areas schools should focus on in their meal program and facilities:

• Do they make students want to eat on campus? Social architecture is the conscious design of an environment to encourage social behaviors that lead toward a goal. In this case, the goal is solidifying students' connections to one another and commitment to their school by drawing them together in a leisurely way at least once a day. Gathering together and socializing over meals on a regular basis helps students develop relationships that increase the odds they'll stay in school, and that they'll be active alumni after graduation. Students who live and dine on campus tend to have higher GPA's and are more likely to graduate.

• What do prospective students see? When giving tours to prospective students and their families, is the dining hall a destination, and if so, is it one to be proud of? The kitchen is a non-negotiable element in creating a home. If a future student sees the dining hall as an uninviting ghost town with drab food, then he or she will feel less inclined to live on campus, and may even seek another school simply for its more accommodating campus.

• Are good meals available when students want them? Parents and students both know what time young people tend to get up in the morning and how late they go to bed. Many classes extend well into the evening and lots of students avoid early morning classes. Meals need to be available well beyond the outdated 9-to-5 time frame. Trying to accomplish that by including off-campus restaurant deals in the meal plan, or having too many locations available on campus, will be counter-productive. That decentralizes the dining experience.

About David Porter

David Porter, FCSI, is chief executive officer and president of Porter Khouw Consulting, Inc., a foodservice master planning and design firm based in Crofton, Maryland. David has more than 40 years of hands-on food service operations and consulting experience and is a professional member of the Foodservice Consultants Society International. Porter Khouw Consulting has worked with more than 350 clients to conduct market research and develop strategic plans, master plans and designs for the college and university market. Porter is a graduate of the prestigious hospitality program at Michigan State University and has been recognized repeatedly as a leader in his field.

World Heritage Student Exchange program, a public benefit organization, is seeking local host families for high school boys and girls from Spain, Germany, Thailand, Norway, China, Russia, France, The former Soviet Union Countries, Denmark, Italy, Sweden and more!

Host families are asked to include the student as a member of their family. Couples, single parents, and families with & without children in the home are all encouraged to host. You can choose a student for a semester or for the school year.

Each World Heritage student is fully insured, brings his/her own personal spending money and expects to contribute to his/her share of household responsibilities, as well as being included in normal family activities and lifestyles.

Imagine the world of peace and greater understanding. Imagine yourself as part of the solution! Today's teens are tomorrow's parents, international business people and possibly even future political leaders! Share your corner of America by helping a foreign exchange student experience life in your area!

For more information call us at 1(866)939-4111, go online at www.whhosts.com or email us at info@world-heritage.org 

World Heritage International Student Exchange programs, formerly known as Spanish Heritage, is a non-profit, public benefit organization affiliated with and operated under the sponsorship of ASSE International. World Heritage programs are conducted in accordance with the high standards established by the U.s. Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET). World Heritage is also a member of the Alliance for International Educational and Cultural Exchange.

Iowa Lt. Governor and DuPont Pioneer President Lead Efforts to Further Science Education 

(DES MOINES) - Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds today announced her role as Chair of the STEM Food & Ag Council, a global council focused on advancing STEM education to help meet the growing demand for food, feed, and renewable fuels, founded by STEMconnector®. The STEM Food & Ag Council will be announced by Lt. Gov. Reynolds on July 14^th in Chicago at the annual meeting of The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) - a co-founder of the Council.

The STEM Food & Ag Council will assemble government, business and education leaders aimed at increasing collaboration and mobilizing resources to connect today's youth to the Food and Ag careers of tomorrow.  Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds will serve as inaugural Chair of the Council, and also announced that DuPont Pioneer President, Paul E. Schickler, will serve as Vice-Chair.

"The STEM Food & Ag Council is a unique public-private partnership dedicated to driving education and career opportunities for the next generation of the food and agricultural workforce. We live in a knowledge-based, global economy and it is critical that our students are prepared for the jobs of the 21st century," said Lt. Governor Reynolds. "I look forward to working with Vice-Chair Paul Schickler and the members of the Council to create focused initiatives that enhance STEM skills in our students, heighten careers in food and agriculture, and provide solutions that address workforce needs."

"Advancements in modern agriculture are one of the greatest stories of scientific and technological achievement of our time," said Schickler. "However, to meet the increasing global demand for food will require the next generation of scientists, innovators and entrepreneurs. From listening to students around the world, we know they hear the call and STEM can ensure they have the tools needed to be part of the solution."

Current members of the Council include Archer Daniels Midland Company, Cargill, the National 4-H Council, the FFA Organization, PepsiCo, Sodexo and Wal-Mart. The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) will serve as co-founder of the Council.

STEMconnector® is the leading communications platform driving collaboration between stakeholders in STEM education.  Launched in 2011 with the mandate of identifying, informing and connecting stakeholders in STEM education, STEMconnector® has over 50 sponsoring organizations from the public, private and non-profit sectors.

The daily newsletter of STEMconnector® - STEMdaily® - reaches over 10,000 key thought leaders throughout the United States and world every day.  In the past year, STEMconnector® has recognized leadership in STEM education through its 100 Women Leaders in STEM, in which Lt. Governor Reynolds was featured, and the recently released 100 CEO Leaders in STEM.

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JOLIET, IL (07/02/2013)(readMedia)-- The University of St. Francis conferred a bachelor's degree on Janelle Mosher of Sterling, Ill. at the commencement ceremony on May 4. University of St. Francis President Michael Vinciguerra presented the degrees.

The University of St. Francis in Joliet serves 3,400 students nationwide, offering undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs in arts and science, business, education, nursing, health care and social work. For information, call (800) 735-7500 or visit www.stfrancis.edu.