Students share feedback on campus ahead of listening session
April 15, 2026 The Parthenon
Students, faculty and staff gathered at Marshall University April 7 for a student listening session with University President Brad D. Smith, where attendees shared feedback on what the university is doing well and what they believe still needs improvement. The session was open to all students and served as part of an ongoing effort to strengthen communication between leadership and the student body.
A major focus of the discussion was accessibility and affordability. Students pointed to programs such as Marshall For All and metro tuition as important initiatives helping make higher education more attainable. Scholarship opportunities were also frequently mentioned as a key support system. Many attendees noted the university continues to value student preparation by considering high school academic performance and extracurricular involvement during the admissions process.
Students also emphasized a strong sense of community across campus. Initiatives like First Generation Marshall were highlighted as especially meaningful, with students saying these programs help new students feel welcomed and supported from the moment they arrive. Others described how shared experiences, whether through academic programs, majors or personal challenges, such as health-related circumstances, help foster connection and belonging. Overall, many characterized the campus culture as collaborative and focused on helping students succeed.
Academic and research opportunities were also praised, particularly access to faculty mentorship and hands-on learning experiences. Students said being able to work directly in labs and engage in research across disciplines has been a valuable part of their education and career preparation.
At the same time, students raised concerns about several operational and academic issues. With enrollment continuing to grow, many questioned whether campus infrastructure is keeping pace. Housing availability following the dorm bid process was one area of concern along with the utilization and availability of engineering lab equipment. Some students also pointed to limited access to certain academic offerings, including American Sign Language courses being restricted to communication disorders majors, which they said limits broader student interest and participation.
Inclusion was another key theme throughout the session. While programs such as Marshall For All and FAM were credited with improving belonging and support, some students said additional efforts are needed to ensure minority students feel fully included and supported. International students were also discussed, with concerns raised about navigating changing policies and maintaining access to necessary resources and guidance.
University leadership also addressed long term planning and financial outlook. Marshall University is projected to eliminate its deficit by 2027 and become debt free by 2037, signaling what officials described as a stable financial trajectory. The university also noted broader economic contributions to Huntington, including $2.5 million generated from a Zach Bryan concert and $21.8 million in legislative funding directed toward campus improvements.
Students will have another opportunity to participate in this ongoing dialogue during the next listening session scheduled April 16 at 9:30 a.m. The upcoming session is intended to continue gathering student feedback and ideas as the university works to address concerns and build on its current strengths.
