Wednesday, February 11, 2009
For three nights last week, I felt as if my opinion mattered. Whether for appearance’s sake or actual interest in student opinion, the search committee for the next University Honors Program director held three hour-long interactive sessions that attracted about 10 students each night to discuss thoughts and ideas with the candidates and offer their opinions (via survey) about who should fill the position.
The Honors Program had sent students copies of the candidates’ resumes and I remember Kathleen McCluskey-Fawcett’s had page after page (after page) of experience. Needless to say, McCluskey-Fawcett, professor of clinical child psychology and senior vice provost for academic affairs, had developed a clear vision for the program. She explained her networking capabilities and proposed a peer mentor program inspired by Big Brothers, Big Sisters.
I returned the next night for Jonathan Earle’s interview. It’s hard not to be a huge fan of the brilliant, highly engaging Earle, professor of history and associate director for programming at the Dole Institute.
In the first five minutes, he covered every point that had been asked or suggested by students the night before while adding some of his own. He wanted to increase collective experiences for honors students via nighttime programming in Nunemaker Hall. He suggested creating single-hour senior tutorials to match those currently required of freshmen and providing more interesting courses that challenge both student and teachers. I was impressed.
The last interview with Steve McAllister, former dean of law and an honors alum, was the most practical. McAllister laid out a three-point plan: 1) raise the program’s profile; 2) have a top-to-bottom review, engaging students and faculty to outline a core mission for the future; 3) expand the amount of resources.
Afterward, I stayed and talked with some of my peers, who applauded McAllister’s pragmatism and assured that he would listen to student ideas. I wished Earle’s emphasis on ideas received more consideration. McCluskey-Fawcett also received support, but McAllister appeared to be the presumptive choice of the room. Agreeing with Earle’s emphasis on the power of creative thinking, I stuck with him.
The search committee meets today to make a recommendation to Joseph Steinmetz, dean of liberal arts and sciences. Though I have my favorite, I know whoever gets the job (hopefully partly because of our surveys) will help the program.
I can only hope that the University continues to listen to students when making significant decisions, and that students step up when offered the opportunity, so that all can become a part of “our team.” Rock Chalk.
— Holmes is an Overland Park freshman in political science.
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