Ok, I go to school on a CU (that's University of Colorado) campus. On Feb. 20, 2008, the CU system got a new President, Mr. Bruce Benson. No, not Dr. Bruce Benson. Mr. But we'll get to that in a second.
First, a little background. The CU system is composed of three campuses: CU-Boulder, CU-Denver, CU-Health Sciences Center (though, technically, Denver and UCHSC are still the same campus), and UCCS (University of Colorado at Colorado Springs). Total, we probably have about 50,000 students in the system.
Now, CU named Benson as the sole finalist for the Presidency back at the beginning of February. At this point, the students of the three main campuses all issued statements that went against the appointment of Benson.
Why? Well, for starters, he only has a bachelor's degree. Many have expressed concerns over this, because usually Ph.D candidates have a background in teaching and academic careers. Benson, on the other hand, has a background in business. He is a founder of the Benson Mineral Group based in Denver, and is a large supporter of the gas and oil industry. So, the students wonder, how can a man without a background in academics do things in the best interest for the students?
The ICSF, which represents students on all campuses, wrote a resolution against Benson, saying "he lacks an understanding of student issues such as debt and environmental sustainability, he lacks a graduate degree, he is “polarizing and divisive,” he needs a vision for each separate campus, and he needs a plan to execute his vision."
One person claimed that those who did not support Benson did not do so because he is a Republican, citing that Boulder (which is seen as VERY liberal) did not support him, while Denver (which is Republican) did. But they neglect to mention Colorado Springs in the picture, which is Republican as well, and came out in protest of the appointment.
But why people protested his appointment isn't really what concerns me. The fact that students and faculty alike at all the campuses protested his appointment, and he was still elected is what bothers me. There was even a movement to get more candidates to choose from at the meeting where they appointed him, because of these concerns, and it was shot down. Shouldn't the Board of Regents be concerned about the people who are going to have to live with all the decisions Mr. Benson makes? And really, why would you appoint a President when there's so much animosity towards him?
This reminds me too much of the appointment of Dr. Kisley as the President of Gallaudet University back in the 80's. The entire student body came out in protest of it, because Dr. Kisley's appointment was not in the best interest of the students (she was hearing, while the school is one for the deaf, and she didn't even know ASL). The Board of Regents there eventually overturned the decision, in favor of appointment of I. King Jordan.
Sadly, I don't think there's much chance for this decision to be overturned.
I, for one, am glad I am graduating this term.
This just goes to show how political our education system is and how the world revolves around money. If the schools purpose is to serve the students, I do not understand why they would not listen to the concerns of those directly affected.
Ick, that quite sucks. I hope things start to look up for your school, that's pretty redonkulous. Good luck
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/hugogirl46
Ughh.. so infuriating! I go to UC Berkeley, and our Board of Regents have taken similiar actions against the will of the students. One thing they've done is raise post-graduate tuition to the median price of an education at a private school. And these people are supposed to be looking for us?
That sounds a little like what happened at West Virginia University. The chosen president had a strong background in business, but none in education. I didn't think it was a big deal because after all, a school is a business, and that is the area where the president focuses on, he does not usually teach. He ended up getting fired, which was pretty political as well.
When the president at my school was chosen, he didn't have a lot of support from the students, but he did from the board, teachers, and faculty. The students did warm up to him, and so far I think he has been an excellent asset, so it may still work out for you guys.
Like what you've read? Well, then here's more:
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/tricia0711
Well, I wouldn't know. I was only there for a semester while he was President. I can't imagine it'll be easy on him now that the economy has turned sour either. From what I remember, though, he didn't even have much support from the faculty... they were lukewarm towards him at best.
~C
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