One of the most prestigious student decision-making positions at Ohio University is open for applicants as the term of an OU student trustee will conclude soon.
OU's Board of Trustees is now taking applications to replace senior political science major Aslyne Rodriguez, who has served on the board since 2004, and whose term ends this year. Applications, which include a resume, two essays and three letters of recommendation, will be accepted until Feb. 10.
After reviewing the applications, the board will invite trustee hopefuls to an interview where the board then will select five candidates. OU President Roderick McDavis will review those five applications and forward them to the office of Gov. Bob Taft. As is the case for all trustees, Taft will make the final decision on the new student trustee, said R. Gregory Browning, chairman of the board.
The OU Board of Trustees comprises seven trustees, two student trustees and two national trustees. However, by law, student and national trustees are not permitted to vote, Browning said.
We treat the student trustees with respect and expect them to be part of the discussions and decision making
he said.
Junior Micah Mitchell, a student trustee whose term ends in 2007, said trustees are searching for a student who can put his or her talents to use.
Like many positions we're looking for someone whose talents we can exploit Mitchell said. It's important to bring the perspective of what's going on (in Athens)
he said, adding that only one of the nine board members resides in Athens.
Mitchell will become a senior trustee and will serve on the board's Audit, Finance, Facilities and Investment Committee. Traditionally, the junior student trustee serves on the Academic Quality Committee, while the senior student trustee works on the finance committee. But trustees are not assigned specific responsibilities outside of those respective committees, Mitchell said.
Student trustees also can serve on other committees based on personal interests for improving the OU experience
Mitchell said, adding that they have dealt with issues such as the lack of Tier III courses last quarter.
Time management is essential to the life of a student trustee, Mitchell said. Throughout the week, he said he spends 10 to 15 hours attending meetings and keeping up with student issues.
I think there are so many different ways that I've been able to help raise issues and to have a voice not just on the board
but all over campus
Mitchell said.
Student trustees are involved in all board agenda items, but they provide a voice for the students.
The students are at the heart and life of the university
Browning said. Getting their perspective on the board is important.
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