OUS seeks public input
about new chancellor
University community members will have an opportunity to participate in an open forum discussion concerning the next chancellor of the Oregon University System when the State Board of Higher Education chancellor search committee comes to the EMU Gumwood Room Thursday from noon to 1:30 p.m.
Jim Willis, chair of the State Board of Higher Education’s search committee, said committee members will ask the public to specifically discuss qualities expected in a chancellor and what they hope the chancellor will accomplish while in office.
“We want Oregonians to help us as we search for the right person to become the new chancellor,” Willis said. “We’d like to know what Oregonians see as the key challenges facing the chancellor and the board in the future.”
This is the first time the chancellor search committee has involved open public discussions in the selection process. The committee will hold informal, walk-in sessions where Oregonians can meet with members of the search committee and other board members to exchange opinions and ideas.
Current OUS Chancellor Joe Cox will step down later this summer. Cox, who served as Southern Oregon University president from 1987 to 1994, was appointed chancellor in 1994.
— Katie Ellis
University adopts
Nike-designed ‘O’ as logo
Starting today, the University will offer members of the public a chance to voice their opinions and ideas regarding the University’s new official logo.
Allan Price , University vice president for advancement , said the University will make the Nike “O” the dominant logo for the school, replacing the old interlocking “UO” symbol. The University will begin using the “O” on official documents and business cards, and the home page will feature a link to view the proposed logo.
People can link on the Web page to a site where they can give feedback on the change. The site will be up until March 1.
Price introduced the logo at a University Senate meeting Wednesday and showed members samples of how the logo would look on University documents.
Some senate members voiced concern about the logo, which was designed by Nike in 1999. But Price said the University has ownership rights to the “O” and that the University licenses the right to use the “O” for clothing in contracts.
“We own the rights to the ‘O,’ but we have licensed the right in contract to use the “O” in apparel,” Price said.
Students, faculty and alumni have criticized the idea and the process of the logo change, saying the University’s many graphic images are a part of the school’s history. But Price pointed out that the change will only affect the old “UO” logo. The University Seal and Donald Duck will remain to represent the University in other areas.
— Katie Ellis
Student Senate
approves EMU budget
After an hour of discussion, the ASUO Student Senate Wednesday night voted to approve a 2.6 percent increase in the EMU budget, setting it at $2,924,191 for 2002-2003.
The board passed the budget by a vote of 9-1. Three senators who are on the EMU Board abstained. Senators passed the budget as requested by the EMU Board, with little debate over line items within it.
EMU programs that received new increases in areas such as programs and employment included the UO Cultural Forum, the UO Ticket Office and EMU Club Sports. Senators briefly discussed the club sports program.
Sen. Eric Bailey asked for an explanation of how club sports programs could receive incidental fees and yet cut some people from teams during tryouts.
“All incidental fee-funded programs need to be open to every student on campus,” he said.
Club Sports Chairman Josh Greenough said cuts are necessary in some teams, especially traveling groups.
“It’s just not feasible for us to have 100 people on a soccer team,” he said. He added that other club sports programs “absolutely encourage beginners.”
As a result of the EMU Budget Committee’s decision to eliminate the Student Activities Resource Office, there may be an EMU budget balance of $32,000 next year. If current SARO coordinator Debra Martin retires or is hired on in another University position, her salary will revert to the EMU budget. Otherwise, the money will continue to be paid to Martin because her position is contracted.
Some senators suggested moving this money to surplus funds, but after some discussion, the senate decided the EMU Board would allocate the money to groups throughout the year as needed, if the money becomes available.
Prior to the EMU budget hearing, senators voted 11-1 to appoint law student Daneal Grotenhouse to the vacant PFC senate seat. PFC Chairwoman Mary Elizabeth Madden voted against her appointment.
They also voted 10-2 to appoint law student Stephen Yoshida to the ASUO Constitution Court.
— Kara Cogswell
