While there is much confusion and clamor concerning the role of students in deciding the next Ohio University president, the Presidential Position Description identifies the student-centered philosophy inherent in the University's mission is evident by the numerous ways in which students contribute to the campus community. Additionally
students play an important part in the governance of the University.
Hmm. That's odd.
Didn't the current administration dismiss the student body's call for representation during a visit by an authority from A.T. Kearney, the consulting firm aiding the presidential search committee?
In a word, yes, but let's not jump to conclusions.
First, there is a great need for the firm to have an understanding of the priorities of those working closest with the president. However, a president's influence has a drastic impact on students, making such indifference inexcusable if the search committee wants to find a candidate who will fit the mold of OU's student-centered philosophy.
Of course, because classes come and go, students are perceived as a temporary or free-floating constituency, but that doesn't make them any less valuable. Students and faculty are the heart of any academic institution.
Despite this, many OU students fear their views may be quelled by the tyranny of a minority.
Wait, how is that possible? Actually, it is a budding problem across the country as too many universities view student influence as a privilege rather than a priority. For example, students' vain cries to be heard were lost when Boston University recently searched for a new president.
Some provisions are already in place for student representation, including one undergraduate and one graduate student appointed to the search committee. While this is all fine and dandy, two students, no matter how talented or dedicated, cannot adequately represent the views of 20,000 of their peers.
In addition, OU Student Senate took a major stride when writing a resolution expressing the disappointment in the lack of undergraduate representation on the presidential search committee.
An alternative to a delegate model of student representation is that of open forums, opportunities for all students to express their views, probe for information and weigh responses.
According to a recent Post article, Michael Sostarich, OU's Vice President for Student Affairs, promised students a chance to present their views eventually.
The idea of delaying such a forum defeats the purpose of input and goes against OU's own creed; by the time a student forum is held, the committee will have already whittled-down the prospects. Most of the significant work will have been completed.
For that reason, it is critical that student involvement begin immediately, so that such participation will yield meaningful results. Moreover, administrators must realize that now is the time for change; the search for OU's future leader is a prime occasion for students to be heard and appreciated as an asset to the university. 17
Archives
Jon Peters
