“Chat & Chew” Gatherings Inspire Understanding

On Friday afternoons, a small group of students gather in a special section of Blackburn Center dining hall for lunch and conversation with Howard University administrators and leaders. This hour-long “Chat & Chew” activity is a collaboration between the Office of Vice President for Student Affairs and the Office of University Communications that connects students and University leadership in an informal way. The conversation is free-flowing and presents a different topic each week that is related to the student experience.

“It’s wonderful to see the students excited to come to the table each week and ask questions, share their ideas, and gain understanding about areas that impact their experiences at Howard,” said vice president of student affairs Cynthia Evers, EdD. She co-hosted the first “Chat & Chew” with vice president and chief communications officer Frank Tramble.

Noah Price, a sophomore journalism major from Charlotte, North Carolina, attended the first “Chat & Chew” with one of her friends. “I think opportunities like this are so important. It’s not often that we get to connect with our administration on this level,” she said.

Students interested in participating in “Chat & Chew” complete an online form, where they can also submit a few questions in advance to help jumpstart the conversation. The group size is kept to a maximum of 15 students. “Chat & Chew” gatherings included leaders from Campus Safety, Residential Life, University Counseling, and the Office of the Provost for Academics.

Future “Chat & Chew” gatherings will include how to explore off-campus housing, financial aid and scholarship opportunities, preparing seniors for life after graduation, and more.