I really like most of the suggestions, but finding a way to adapt them to an online environment--we are strictly a virtual campus, except for our administrative offices. I'm going to suggest to our administration that we brainstorm to come up with alternative ways to identify and address student needs. Anyone have suggestions we might consider?
There are a lot of variables at work in your question, Steve. Practices that work at one institution may not work at others. I've even seen wide variations in participation from one department to another within the same school.
To get meaningful participation from students, they must believe that you will be open to their suggestions and be ready to take action or explain why you didn't. For example, if you survey students and don't provide them with a thorough and timely report of the findings and your intended action, they won't "waste their time" again.
If your students "do not as a large group participate", consider working with those who are willing to cooperate and want to shape their environment. When students see good things happening, they will get involved - either directly or indirectly through the leaders who have been working with you. As they see results, you will gain their confidence and participation.
Good luck.
