Around this time of year many colleges host a State of the University address.

But not Central Michigan University.

Interim President Kathy Wilbur has no plans on hosting one, said Director of Public Relations Steve Smith, in an e-mail to Central Michigan Life.

Instead of presenting an annual address to the entire university regarding issues facing the school, Wilbur favors hosting several small meeting throughout the semester, Smith said.

He said Wilbur favors smaller meetings because they create a more intimate and open setting to interact with students, faculty and staff.

“Many people are uncomfortable speaking up in large settings,” Smith said. “The smaller forums are relaxed and conversational which gives President Wilbur a better opportunity to hear the interests and concerns of students.”

While many universities around Michigan host an annual State of the University address, Wilbur, along with Gary Shapiro, interim executive vice president and provost, are currently engaging in a series of student forums across campus in resident halls.

Smith said former university president Michael Rao hosted four or five State of the University addresses in his nine years as president.

What other schools do

Saginaw Valley State University President Eric Gilbertson hosts two all-school forums a year, said Jo Stanley, administrative assistant to the office of the president at SVSU — one in January and another back-to-school address in August.

In addition to that, Stanley said Gilbertson constantly attends student forums, teaches a constitutional law course and helps students move in.

Grand Valley State University President Thomas Haas teaches upper- and lower-level chemistry courses one day each a semester, said Rachel Siglow, executive secretary to the president at GVSU.

Siglow said Haas hosts an annual all-school forum every year in August and regularly sits down to talk with students.

Western Michigan University President John Dunn, who hosts the State of the University address annually in the fall, does more than most to presidents to interact with students, WMU Executive Secretary Elaine Gaudio said.

Gaudio said Dunn gives remarks at three or four gatherings a week, most of which involve students.

She said he also keeps a blog which he updates various times a week and has a Facebook account with thousands of friends.

“I’d say his interaction with students tops the list,” Gaudio said.

Susan Martin, who has been president of Eastern Michigan University for two years, has never hosted a State of the University address, said Holly Smith, executive secretary to the president at EMU.

Holly Smith said Martin was planning on hosting one this month, but there is currently no set date for one.

E-mail the author: Joe Borlik