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March 01, 2006
USG Referendums and No Confidence.
Tonight I attended my first ever USG meeting. I was alerted by a friend that USG was contemplating passing a resolution in which they urged the faculty senate to vote against the 'no confidence' (against Hundert) proposal. While this was proposed by some very competent individuals I oppose(d) the referendum because I both don't feel USG should be directing the faculty senate and don't think USG was informed enough to be making any recommendation.
The vast majority of undergraduates don't know what this is about, there has been little information given by any side about their motives. This is part of the problem and why this vote is taking place. This will hopefully become more clear over the coming days when the vote takes place and the administration responds.
Allow me to stress the following:
Firstly, this is not simply grandstanding on the part of Professor Kraus. I think the Plain Dealer article from last Thursday (I believe) made it clear this was about demonstrating the unhappiness of many parts of the university with the administration. A 'No Confidence' vote cannot be called by a single individual.
Secondly, a successful no confidence vote will not remove President Hundert. From what I understand even if every faculty member voted for the 'No Confidence' vote (which cannot take place Thursday because only arts and sciences are voting) President Hundert would remain. Only a decision by the board of trustees can remove the president in a way that I am unclear on now.
Thirdly, I am really of no opinion as to what I think should happen in this situation. While I think Hundert has screwed up I'm unsure to what degree. Additionally I don't think the intent of the No Confidence vote is to say 'we want you out of here' (which is probably unreasonable) so much as to say 'you have to listen to us' (which is basically always reasonable).
The Extended Entry contains the text of the resolution that did not pass regarding the no confidence vote. I've re-typed it in which may have introduced some gramatical or other errors.
-Brief Update-
This post (specifically the portion by David Gasser) pointed out to me that something was passed which encouraged the faculty senate to postpone their vote (somehow...) and engage the undergraduate body in a 'dialogue' about the issue. The resolution that was passed was a heavily amended version of what we see in the extended entry (so amended as to totaly alter the intent of the resolution).
General Assembly Resolution R15-09
Authors: Representative Beutler, Representative Jamesson, Vice President Calcagno
Presented 28 February 2006
A resolution recommending against the faculty of the College of Arrts and SCiences to support a vote of no-confidence towards the President and provost of the University.
Whereas it is the duty of the Undergraduate Student Government to protect the best interestes of the Undergraduate Student Body,
Whereas the stability of the office of President and Provost of the University are vital to the continued education and overall quality of life of the Undergraduate Student Body,
Whereas a vote of no-confidence taken against the President and Provost of the University during this transitional stage in the University has the potential to disrupt many new programs which remain at a critical point in development yet at present have a profound effect on the daily lives of the Undergraduate Student Body,
Whereas a vote of no-confidence if used unwisely sets a dangerous precedent for resolving differences between the administration and faculty and should therefore only be used in the most severe of circumstances,
Whereas the timing of Professor Krauss in seeking a vote of no-confidence is opportunistic in the light of the recent resigation of the President of Harvard University after similar thread had been made
Be it enacted by the Undergraduate Student Government, acting in full session that the following recommendation be made:
I. That Professor Krauss cease pursuing a vote of no-confidence at this time.
II. That the faculty of the College of Arts and Sciences move against a vote of no-confidence for the President and Provost of the University.
III. Distribute this resolution, if passed in full session, to appropriate members of the university administration, which would include but not be limited to The Office of the President and the Provost, the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and the University Board of Trustees, as well as the entire faculty of the College of Arts and Sciences including Professor Krauss.
Posted by cak19 at March 1, 2006 12:22 AM
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