Empty chair

Student regent would enhance communication

One week ago, during his inauguration ceremony, University President Lee Bollinger outlined his vision for the University and received deserved praise. Just three days later, he delivered a low blow to students. At his monthly meeting with the faculty's governing body, Bollinger opposed its proposal to add a student and a faculty member to the University Board of Regents. While Bollinger has placed much emphasis upon building bridges between students, faculty, administrators and the regents, he has missed a prime opportunity to take action. Students and faculty deserve a direct voice on the board - the proposal deserves Bollinger's support.

The proposal's introduction took place during last week's Senate Advisory Committee for University Affairs meeting. Until Bollinger's lack of support became clear, the proposal received much attention and positive response. Adding a student and faculty regent could increase communication between the University's vital factions and the regents. The regents' job requires knowledge of student and faculty opinion - who better to lend insight than students and faculty themselves? While Bollinger stated his confidence that the University's president and provost stay alert to thoughts and feelings on campus, the mere existence of this proposal indicates a need for more direct representation.

Louis D'Alecy, chair of SACUA, quickly rescinded support of the proposal to agree with Bollinger. D'Alecy said that Bollinger maintains a high level of contact between faculty and administration. He agreed that adding students and faculty members to the board may be unnecessary, especially since strong lines of communication - including meetings with the University president and provost - already exist. However, Bollinger's efforts to expand campus communication, while noble, do not supplant students' needs for representation.

While Bollinger clearly expresses his desire to improve the lines of communication and remain free to all suggestions from the University community, he has yet to make any significant changes for students.

However, Bollinger's stamp of approval need not be the only avenue toward a student regent. A petition, requiring thousands of state resident signatures, would place a referendum question on the state ballot to create such a post. This option is not only time-consuming but also expensive - to collect the requisite signatures, the Michigan Student Assembly would need additional funds stemming from an increased student fee. It is unlikely that students, many of whom already distrust MSA, will readily pay more.

Finding a sponsor for the proposal in the state legislature, however, eliminates the need for signatures - but without the support of any legislators or Bollinger, this is unlikely. Ironically, while Bollinger looks to build bridges, he also took a little ground out from underneath students this week. Without Bollinger's support, construction on his bridge between administration and students is delayed.

09-26-97