Students are shaping the future of All-School Meetings, with suggestions about changing ASM including bringing back one of Phillips Academy’s many school songs, hosting more humorous speakers with oratory experience, and a ensuring balanced and fair amount of political speakers. About a dozen students proposed ideas for a Philo Forum addressing All-School Meeting, led by Carlos Hoyt, Associate Dean of Students, Rebecca Sykes, Associate Head of School and Philomathean Society Co-Head Philip Meyer ’08 on Tuesday night. Hoyt, who has been coordinating All-School Meetings this year, said, “ASM is a primary aspect of the community that belongs to everyone.” He said he is seeking input in order to satisfy a greater portion of the student body. Despite the limited turnout, the discussion was upbeat. There was a general consensus that although many All-School Meetings were engaging, there is room for improvement. Hoyt said that there is “less leeway [for All-School Meeting programs] than people may think.” Twenty-two out of 32 ASM slots are occupied by customary programs. However, Hoyt is very open to student suggestions and notes that there is an underused ASM tab on PAnet, where students can suggest All-School Meeting speakers and programs. Hoyt said that it should be expected that students “know what we’re there for,” and show more “self-discipline.” This was a feeling shared by most participants of the forum, many of whom commented on the rude and embarrassing conduct of some students during All-School Meeting. The forum’s participants also acknowledged the subjectivity in evaluating speakers, and while many All-School Meeting guests were enjoyable during their one-on-one discussions, their speeches seemed to lack that same inspiration. The balancing act between boring and controversial content was also addressed. Most agreed that the student voice should be heard while choosing stimulating All-School Meeting programs. Many students also said that an All-School Meeting oversight committee would be an effective method of student input. However, there was disagreement on the subject of who should sit on this proposed committee. Some supported the idea of a group composed of only those who were interested and showed concern for the All-School Meeting schedule. Others thought this may result in a committee lacking diversity, and suggested appointing students from all grades and various club leaders. Anabel Bacon ’09, who is an editor at The Phillipian, said she hopes that “change can happen and All-School Meeting has the opportunity to be a great thing.” After attending the Philo Forum, Bacon was optimistic that Hoyt would “make change based on what students are saying.” Student Council President Tantum Collins ’08 expressed his pleasure in the “engaging conversation.” He stated that he is “confident that [Hoyt] will take student feedback [received during the forum] into account when planning future All-School Meetings.” Hoyt said “getting feedback on a regular basis is very important” as is “staying in touch with the community.” He also stressed that he is “trying to get a sense of engagement” and that All-School Meeting is the school’s “only opportunity to sit together as a family.” Hoyt believes that some student behavior has been “discourteous” in the past, and feedback from the forum will help to “compassionately encourage” students to show better decorum during All-School Meetings. Hoyt said, “There is never going to be a way to have 100 percent satisfaction for 1,200 people, and we set ourselves up for disappointment if we aim for that.” Hoyt is seeking satisfaction for “the most programs on the most weeks … and strives for [that goal].”
