Ross, Shapiro begin attending academic department meetings

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University President George Ross and Provost Gary Shapiro have offered to attend academic department meetings in an effort to open dialogue between administration and faculty members.

The Provost’s office has attempted to schedule meetings with all of Central Michigan University’s academic departments. Ross and Shapiro have attended the meetings to respond to some of the educators’ questions and concerns about the current state of the university.

Director of Public Relations Steve Smith said Thursday Ross and Shapiro plan to meet with all of CMU’s academic departments but did not know the number or which groups of faculty the provost and president had already spoken with.

“There is no agenda — simply an opportunity to have a dialogue and answer questions,” Smith said in an email.

On Jan. 10, Ross and Shapiro attended the school of broadcast and cinematic arts meeting, where department members expressed concerns about financial resources for future programs.

According to minutes from the meeting, Ross said the 2011 summer and fall semesters were difficult times for the president, provost and campus community. The discussion was opened “to try and end mistrust,” according to the minutes.

The College of Medicine was also a frequent topic of discussion at the meeting, and department members questioned whether the medical school would position CMU for the future. The minutes mention that Shapiro asserted a medical school increases CMU’s recruitment potential and would strengthen biology and chemistry classes within the university.

“In five years, what is the brand that attracts students?” Shapiro said, according to the minutes. “Public perception, demand and economy will drive course offerings. Central cannot sit still.”

During the meeting, Ross indicated he wants faculty to be involved in CMU’s Strategic Plan and encouraged faculty “to buy into (this) vision” he and Shapiro discussed.

Ross and Shapiro will continue to meet with other academic departments throughout the semester.