Ohio University trustees argued yesterday that there is no need for student trustee voting rights — and that when it comes to engaging student trustees, other universities should observe OU’s procedures and take note.
Ohio Reps. Mike Duffey (R-21) and Michael Stinziano (D-25) introduced a bill that would allow student trustees a vote in decisions ranging from capital projects to tuition increases. However, OU trustees said the contributions of student trustees are already concrete and giving them a vote is unnecessary.
“We question what the purpose of that legislation really is,” Trustee Gene Harris said. “We already use (student trustees’) feedback in making decisions. Their voices are sought and heard.”
OU has two student trustees who are appointed by the governor and serve a two-year term. OU’s current trustees are Danielle Parker and Allison Arnold, both juniors studying public relations. Both said they feel able to adequately contribute to trustee discussions and decisions without a vote.
"From my perspective, there has never been a time that I, as a student trustee, felt my voice wasn’t being heard,” Parker said.
Parker is serving her second year as student trustee. Arnold, finishing up her first Fall Quarter as a student member of OU’s Board of Trustees, agreed.
“My opinion has been more than heard and appreciated,” Arnold said. “Other universities should look to us… I think that speaks to the dedication of the board.”
Harris suggested other universities follow OU’s model when it comes to utilizing the input of student trustees. She said student trustees are able to sit on all trustee meetings — public board meetings, committee meetings and executive sessions — and have as much access to OU President Roderick McDavis and university administrators as do the other trustees.
Several trustees said the younger perspective offered by student trustees influences the way they vote on trustee decisions.
Harris said she did not support the idea of voting rights for student trustees.
“We think (the current procedures have) worked very effectively for us at Ohio University,” she said.
rm279109@ohiou.edu
