Open forums planned with Ross, administrative officials; trustees say transparency must improve
University President George Ross and Provost Gary Shapiro will hold open meetings on Wednesday and Thursday to publicly answer questions from faculty, staff and students.
Shortly after Thursday’s board of trustees meeting, during which transparency was discussed, a university-wide email was sent detailing the public forums, which will take place in the Bovee University Center Auditorium on Wednesday and the Townsend Kiva in Moore Hall on Thursday. University President George Ross will be joined by Provost Gary Shapiro, Vice President of Finance and Administrative Services David Burdette, Vice President of Development and External Relations Kathy Wilbur and Vice President of Enrollment and Student Services Steven Johnson.
Both forums will run from 3 to 4 p.m. and will also be live-streamed via CMU’s media channel website.
Director of Public Relations Steve Smith said forums such as these aren’t uncommon on campus.
“It’s been tradition for the past two to three years to have forums in April,” Smith said. “These provide an opportunity for the president and members of his cabinet to present information on the budget and to allow both on-campus and off-campus staff and students to ask questions.”
Transparency was a major topic of discussion Thursday when Board of Trustees Chairman Sam Kottamasu acknowledged the increasing number of departments endorsing the no confidence vote against Ross and Shapiro. In February, Ross announced plans to create a shared governance committee made up of administrators, faculty and students.
“We are concerned with rebuilding the mutual trust and confidence that has been damaged on many fronts. I believe we can all agree with the point regarding the need to improve communication, transparency and decision-making,” Kottamasu said. “Improving in these areas can and must be the top priority of faculty, administration and staff as the university moves forward.”
Smith said members of during the meetings next week Ross’ cabinet will make presentations and give updates on projects. Public forums are one way to keep lines of communication open between university officials, administration, faculty, staff and students, he said
Kottamasu said the trustees are committed to rebuilding relationships to better the university.
“The trustees remain committed to ongoing dialogue to build strong, positive relationships so the university and its students can thrive,” Kottamasu said.
Additionally, Kottamasu mentioned the vote of no confidence and reiterated confidence in Ross and Shapiro.
“The board respects Ross and Shapiro, continues to hold confidence in them and believe they exude the highest standards of ethical integrity at the university,” he said.
Ross also outlined communication efforts between university officials and said the students’ best interest is always in mind.
“We’ve got to continue to improve communication on our campus in how we interact,” Ross said. “It’s all about the environment created for students.”
