Interim University President Kathy Wilbur said she was surprised Wednesday night with students’ interest in sustainability.

“I mean, the students have definitely driven that agenda,” Wilbur said.

Wilbur held her first open forum in the Troutman lounge, the first presidential open forum in more than three years. It was the first of four forums to take place in residence halls, with the next one at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 3 in the Larzelere Hall lobby.

Students understand efficiency usually means less money being spent, she said. If the university saves money, tuition is less likely to increase.

Wilbur said sustainability is why there are so many renovations occurring on campus.

“On a campus as old as ours, there is a great deal of constant maintenance. We’re working to improve that,” Wilbur said.

During the forum, Wilbur discussed the CMU 2010 plan put into effect several years ago. The plan was a series of goals that the university dedicated itself to completing by 2010. One of the goals was to get students more involved in the university.

“It was to make the campus much more student-centered,” Wilbur said.

The key to change

About 25 people attended the forum. Before the question-and-answer portion, Wilbur introduced herself and pressed that the students are key for any change.

“The best advocates for the university are the students. They are important for any change or transition,” Wilbur said.

Ideas were taken from students and others involved in the university during the planning process of the Bovee University Center renovations,

“A post office was the No. 1 request. So there will be a post office in the UC when it’s finished,” Wilbur said.

Justin Petkus, a Hudsonville junior and Troutman resident adviser, said he was impressed with Wilbur for meeting with residents.

“I think it’s great she is making herself available. It shows that she cares,” Petkus said.

Tuition is something that is important, too, Wilbur said.

“The cost of tuition has a very high impact on a student’s future,” she said, “It decides whether a student comes for a first year, and even decides if they come back for a second.”

Troutman Hall Director William O’Dell said it was a great idea for Wilbur to start these forums.

“We have an interim president who, knowing our campus may have a lot of questions right now, comes to meet with students and listens to them,” O’Dell said.

E-mail the author: Seth Nietering