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The Student Voice Since 1903
THURSDAY • JUNE
15, 2000
Recent survey reveals UCO professors' praise, criticism of university BY N. DAVID OWENS
Staff Writer
"I always appreciate input from faculty, students and staff regarding the office of the president and my own leadership style. I think input is important and can be beneficial." —UCO President Roger Webb
early half of UCO professors do not understand the budget process, according to a recent survey conducted by the UCO chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP). This survey, completed every year, represents 105 professors who responded to a questionnaire, out of 400 who recieved it. The survey goes on to show that among UCO professors: • 42.3 percent regularly receive student complaints about treatment in the financial aid office.
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• 61.6 percent believe that the office of Sponsored Research and Grants does a good job of providing faculty with assistance for research. • 45.2 percent believe faculty development is not encouraged. • 53.8 percent believe faculty are not recognized for their accomplishments. The College of Business has the highest morale of any college at UCO, according to the survey. The areas of the survey specifically related to the College of Business had no negative feedback, as opposed to negative scores in the mid-30's to upper 50's in the other colleges. One major sore point revealed by
the survey was in the area of the travel budget. Of those who responded, 73.1 percent believe travel funds are not openly disclosed or do not adequately address the needs of the faculty. Faculty who travel can make contacts that increase their own competence as educators, as well as help UCO students gain recognition in areas such as graduate school applications, said Dr. James Mock, UCO professor of humanities and philosophy. "We serve as academic goodwill ambassadors," Mock said. The survey also asks specific questions about each dean and
many of the senior administration officials. "I always appreciate input from faculty, students and staff regarding the office of the president and my own leadership style. I think input is important and can be beneficial," said UCO President Roger Webb. Webb received some criticism in the survey, with more than 46 percent of professors believing that he does not clearly communicate his goals, and more than 35 percent believing he is not an effective leader. Webb received high scores in the areas of campus renovation, professional integrity and administrative changes. •
Bronchos bring big bucks to Edmond technological companies and jobs to Edmond, the Economic Staff Writer Development Authority and UCO CO brings over $172 million launched the program Edmond HQ into the Edmond area, in 1996. according to a study When Edmond HQ began, there conducted by two economists. were around 800 technology-related Dr. Michael R. Metzger and Dr. jobs in the area. The goal was to Don Maxwell, both create 3,000 jobs by economics professors the year 2005. "Whether the at UCO, found that In 1999, the two dollars of program surpassed its economy [in Edmond] increased personal goal with 3,576 such income and business jobs. will stay the same or activity are made "UCO helped us at continue to grow with every dollar every level, from invested at the making curriculum largely depends on the university. changes to providing The Metzger and leadership," said Steve number of UCO Maxwell study is Kreidler, executive students ..." entitled "The director of the Economic Impact of Economic Devethe University of lopment Authority. —Dr. Michael Metzger Central Oklahoma on Edmond HQ set a UCO economics Edmond, Oklahoma new goal of 8,500 inprofessor County and the formation technology Oklahoma City Metropolitan jobs by 2006. Statistical Area 1998-99." "Universities not only play an "Whether the economy will stay indispensable role in providing local the same or continue to grow largely and regional educational and depends on the number of UCO cultural benefits, they also serve as a students and expenditures," Metzger source of local business activity, said. employment and income," Metzger In an effort to bring more said. • BY SARAH DAVIS
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PHOTO PROVIDED
Aretha and Patti
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Kimberly Jackson and Kendra Campbell prepare for their roles in the upcoming UCO production of "Beehive." Jackson and Campbell are two of five cast members who portray female singers in the 1960s. "Beehive" is one of three musicals being presented by Strawhat Music Theatre Works this summer at the Mitchell Hall Theatre. Other summer productions include the return of "Nunsense AMen!" and an opera entitled, "Showdown on Two Street." For reservations to any of the shows, call the Mitchell Hall Box office at 974-3375.