George Ross becomes the 14th president of Central Michigan University today.

And he has quite a lot on his hands.

CMU is facing a steep budget deficit for 2010-11, along with a likely cut in state appropriations. It also is building a $25-million College of Medicine and renovating Rose Arena. And students will likely face another tuition increase and cuts in their majors’ departments.

Overall, it is an uncertain time at Central. And Ross, who once served as vice president of Finance and Administrative Services at CMU, returns to Mount Pleasant amid that time.

Here are some near-future suggestions from Central Michigan Life’s Editorial Board for the new university president:

Hold public meetings

Being visible and accessible will do wonders to build a trusting relationship between Ross and the CMU community.

Former University President Michael Rao, especially during his last two or three years at CMU, rarely appeared in front of students and faculty through forums and meetings. Former interim University President Kathy Wilbur had a strength is speaking with the CMU community and it helped build a stronger relationship.

Whether they were meetings at residence halls, Academic Senate or budget forums, Wilbur knew she had to maintain communications with everyone.

Now is the perfect time for Ross to follow her lead and plan meetings with students and faculty. He needs to get his face out there to represent CMU effectively.

Not effectively communicating with students, faculty and the media on a consistent basis would not be a great first impression for Ross to make.

Look for funding outside of CMU

In a time of dwindling state funding and rocketing tuition increases, more alternative forms of funding should be sought.

Tuition can only be raised so much before it punctures enrollment and drives away perspective students. And lawmakers in Lansing have proved the guarantees for funds are few, while the demands are many.

Much of a university president’s duties exist off campus and in the company of alumni.

It is here where there are continuous opportunities to cultivate relationships with graduates.

An investment of the university’s and Ross’ time could result in a financial investments on the alumni end. Those inclined to give tend to give.

Searching for and utilizing these opportunities will play to CMU’s advantage, especially with so many ambitious campus renovations on the horizon.

Handle the budget with care

The 2010-11 budget is possibly the biggest obstacle Ross will have to address immediately.

Ross should take Kathy Wilbur and Phil Squattrito, co-chairs of his transition team, as well as the Senior Staff Budget Advisory Group’s recommendations seriously and implement their ideas into his decision-making.

Careful planning and timing is key to success. The worst thing Ross could do is act hastily and entirely on his own without the background information he needs to make the best decision possible.

The university is facing its share of problems it has to see through. Strong leadership and tactful decisions will help CMU get back on top of things again.

Hopefully, George Ross is capable of doing both.

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