President McDavis continues to talk about his current plans to build a positive future for this university. His first goal is to connect with our alumni, make friends for the institution and tell our story in Columbus and Washington. This seems to be going very well, especially considering that the EIA is suing the U.S. Department of Education, James Madison U., and Ohio University over illegal enforcement of the proportionality rule, established in 1996. McDavis seems to know exactly how to get Ohio University into the national spotlight.
His second goal is to positively affect the student retention rate. He has been trying to do this by cutting athletic sports and refusing to implement a phase-out program that has the support of students, faculty and members of the Board of Trustees.
Thirdly he has continued to push for more student governance. He no longer completely ignores the students; he now allows them to give input before he dismisses their concerns, citing that it is in the best interest of the university. I definitely agree with McDavis: He is obviously continuing to guide this institution in a different direction. However, that direction may or may not be positive, depending on how you look at things. I realize that running an institution during these difficult times is no easy task. On the other hand, this is your job.
We expect a president who can make the right decisions without taking the easy way out. It is tough to recognize when you have made a mistake, and it is even tougher to admit that those mistakes were made. A strong leader is able to evaluate every decision made to decide whether that decision was effective or not, and to make the necessary changes. This administration, however, has continued to make excuses for themselves instead of making real positive change. I would hope that the student body would stand up and vote no confidence in President McDavis on May 17 to stop the poor choices.-Branden Burns is a freshman political science and recreation management major.
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