YEAR IN REVIEW #4: Academic Senate issues vote of no confidence against CMU president, provost
The Academic Senate's vote of no confidence against President George Ross and Provost Gary Shapiro at its final fall semester meeting had a mixed reception.
“The Board remains confident in the leadership of Drs. Ross and Shapiro and their commitment to the academic, personal and professional success for our students,” said Sarah Opperman, former Central Michigan University Board of Trustees Chairwoman. “Likewise, the board is firmly committed to the College of Medicine, which will improve access to care and increase the supply of physicians in under-served areas, with a specific focus on training physicians who will practice in central and northern Michigan.”
Student senators Christopher Benison and Michelle Campbell, founders of the registered student organization Students for Faculty, presented the motion in the last 10 minutes of the A-Senate meeting; it was approved in less than a minute by 52 percent.
“Dr. Ross’s and Dr. Shapiro’s refusal to abide by the Academic Senate’s resolution on the CMED initiative is evidence of their disregard for the principles of shared governance at CMU,” stated the fourth point of the motion.
During the presentation and discussion of the motion, Ross remained silent and Shapiro appeared to shake his head, chuckle and talk to surrounding senators. Both left immediately following the vote.
Student Government Association President Vince Cavataio did not support the motion.
Later that week at the regular Board of Trustees meeting, all seven college deans also rejected the motion in a similar signed statement.
“Any effort to undermine their leadership at CMU is detrimental to this institution,” said Charles Crespy, dean of the College of Business Administration.
Campbell and Benison attended the board meeting that week to urge the Trustees to take the motion seriously.
“We expect the CMU Board of Trustees to address this no confidence vote with the seriousness it deserves,” Benison said. “Once again, as student representatives of the Academic Senate, we will hold this board accountable for its response to this no confidence vote.”
The Board of Trustees listened to the public comments, but did not respond directly.
“There are certain roles as chair. One of those is not saying something when you’d really like to. But that has been the policy,” Opperman said. “I will try to not directly respond to comments made other than to thank all of those that have.”
Trustee Sam Kottamasu will be appointed as the Board’s chairman next year; Opperman will become a vice chair.
“In 2012, we start with being productive and building trust,” Opperman said. “Let’s begin to heal as a university.”
