The University Senate has entered the debate over the search for a new chancellor.
The 48-member body, which includes five students, unanimously passed a resolution Wednesday that asks the Oregon State Board of Higher Education to “create a new process that specifically includes formal participation by representatives of OUS faculty and students.”
The measure, which is also being debated at faculty senates throughout the state, points to a growing dissatisfaction with the process to find a successor to OUS chancellor to Joseph Cox, who announced his resignation in July.
The State Board of Higher Education will meet in executive session Friday in Portland to determine the structure and criteria of the search for Joseph Cox’s successor.
Larry Dann, a business professor and member of the faculty advisory board, answered questions on the resolution. Dann said his group’s complaints center around the lack of faculty and student participation in formulating criteria for the candidates and input on the search itself. OUS officials have said the process will employ a search firm to create a list of about 25 candidates. The Executive Committee of the State Board of Higher Education will then narrow the list of 25 to an undetermined number of semifinalists. The list of semifinalists will be reduced to three to five candidates who will then answer questions from students and faculty.
University President Dave Frohnmayer also appeared in front of the senate for a general question-and-answer session.
Frohnmayer said he is anticipating the creation of a “Strategic Directions Document,” a five-year plan for the University. He said the document “will identify where the University wants to move in the next five years,” including a capital campaign, a study of the state’s system of education and changes in the chancellor’s office.
The president also announced he will create a committee to study the role of intercollegiate athletics at the University. The committee will advise him and be a “a major vehicle in discussion” on athletic issues at the University. Frohnmayer said he has not formally invited any members to join the committee, but indicated some members of the University Senate will serve on it.
Senators quizzed the president on the search for a new chancellor and tuition increases.
Provost John Moseley also briefed the senate on the budget reduction plan requested by Gov. John Kitzhaber. Moseley said the University is preparing for 6 percent cuts across the state system, with a plan to slash nonacademic programs hardest. He also said because the University of Oregon receives only 40 percent of its operating budget from state funds, programs will not be greatly affected.
“It doesn’t mean that the cuts won’t be painful, but we can deal with a 6 percent cut,” he said.