University Press Florida Atlantic University’s Finest News Source
June 18, 2013
Volume 14 Issue 29
The Geta wa
y
After three years as FAU president, Mary Jane Saunders returns to academic research with a top-secret project. P. 8 READ US - upressonline.com LIKE US - facebook.com/universitypress FOLLOW US - @upressonline upressonline.com February 26, 2013 FIRST ISSUE IS FREE; EACH ADDITIONAL COPY IS 50 CENTS AND AVAILABLE IN THE UP NEWSROOM.
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An Open Letter to Students: It is an honor to serve you as acting president of Florida Atlantic University—a responsibility I humbly accepted and take very seriously. I want to take this time to introduce myself to those of you who may not know me or my long history with the university. The most important elements of my career are twofold: I’ve been an Owl for just shy of three decades and I have a deep and tremendous respect for the successes of the university. In the short time I will serve as acting president, I intend to move forward together with the university’s senior staff as a cohesive unit, reaffirming the strong reputation of the university and an FAU degree. We are responsible for providing the campus with the resources and support to continue the strong trajectory of our students, faculty and staff. You are amazing individuals who are doing amazing things and I’m happy to help in any way I can. I’m working to secure funding to hire additional tenure track faculty, which means greater opportunities for student and faculty interactions, and finding additional funds to support the university’s science and technology focus. Additionally, I’m trying to maintain expenses and address some of the needs of our buildings so that we can limit tuition and still provide you with a quality campus experience. As acting president, my goal is to resolve outstanding issues that need to be addressed by the president and support senior staff members as they make decisions appropriate for their areas of leadership. My goal is to hand over a clean slate to the interim president this fall. The past few months have been difficult for the university, and I am doing my best to reestablish a structure at FAU that leads to decisiveness, responsiveness and transparency. My leadership style is to empower my executive team and create a culture of collaboration. President Saunders was particularly strong at meeting students and participating in campus and community events. I was able to watch and learn from her and will do my best to make myself accessible to you. Don’t hesitate to send invitations to events and meetings my way. I welcome your thoughts and perspectives and invite you to say “hello” when you see me on campus. I look forward to working both with and for you in my new role. Sincerely, Dennis Crudele Acting President
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June, 18th 2013
Photo by Ryan Murphy
Letter from the editor
To the next president of FAU, We can’t wait to meet you. But, before you get settled into your new office — and the unoccupied 14,000-squarefoot Baldwin House that you’ll have access to — you need to hear about the mess that was left behind. You see, our former president, Mary Jane Saunders, resigned after three years of mismanagement, micromanagement and misfortune. According to her resignation letter, “the fiercely negative media coverage” was the reason. So, here we are, stuck with an acting president who took two weeks to even address the students after Saunders resigned. Let me fill you in on what went down this year. To start off, tenured FAU Communications Professor James Tracy questioned the Sandy Hook shooting on his blog. Then, administration sent him a letter reprimanding him for the post. Now, he wants a clean slate, like the one Dennis Crudele (remember that acting president I mentioned? That’s him) promised to give the interim president calling the shots before you step in. You know how our former president responded? She wrote a statement that didn’t address any of the questions raised by the media. Then, we found out the football stadium was going to be named after a private prison company, the GEO Group, with a history of sexual abuse and drug smuggling. Students and faculty didn’t even know about the decision until it had already been made. That was bad. What she said after was worse. “I don’t have any knowledge of [GEO Group’s problems],” she said. “They’re a wonderful company. And we’re very, very proud to be partnered with them.” FAU’s football stadium was soon dubbed “Owlcatraz,” and students came together to protest Saunders and the naming campaign. They formed a group called “Stop Owlcatraz” and sat outside her office for two hours waiting to speak with her. Then, one day, Saunders was at a “coffee with faculty” event on the Jupiter campus.
June, 18th 2013
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The students followed her to her car, holding signs to protest the GEO Group. When she drove off, she accidentally hit one of them with her car. I mean, she didn’t stop or anything — and she didn’t apologize even after faculty and the victim’s parents wrote letters publicly demanding an apology. In fact, she actually asked the student for an apology. When Saunders was hired, she claimed she cared for students. “I really want to frame all our decisions in what’s best for the students,” she said in 2010. “I think that’s the right basis for decision-making...but you really want to pay attention to that as the reason you make decisions.” Wait. What? Then, instead of FAU refusing the company with all of the problems, GEO Group withdrew its offer after the deal became “distraction.” Let’s not forget about the other FAU professor, Deandre Poole, who was stigmatized and put on “administrative leave” for conducting a class exercise that involved writing “Jesus” on a piece of paper and then stepping on it. One student found it offensive and actually threatened to hit Poole. Yet, the dean of student affairs apologized to the student at Gov. Rick Scott’s urging. The exercise was banned by the administration—no questions asked, no faculty consulted—and we still don’t know if Poole’s one-year contract has been renewed. He just disappeared. In April, Tracy was back on his blog, questioning the Boston bombings. He said they could have been a “mass casualty drill.” He also said that the issue between him and FAU over his blogs might eventually go to court. Saunders said in an interview with WPTV that they are going over his contract to decide if he went against FAU’s orders to disconnect his blogs from FAU. “No one has reached any conclusion. We are working very hard on this, we are getting a lot of advice on this,” Saunders said. So, even though Tracy’s personal blog has a disclaimer disconnecting his opinions from FAU’s, Saunders’ administration investigated him. You can probably tell that we are ready for a fresh start—even just some common sense. Honestly, I think she made your job easier—at least by comparison. You can even start helping by just being a good driver. Or, if hitting students is a thing for university presidents, at least stop the car and apologize. But, more importantly, I would suggest keeping students at the front of your mind. Instead of just promising to support student success, pay attention to what to students need and their opinions. Invite students to meet with you and welcome them into your office instead of hiding from them. Meeting with the president shouldn’t be the most difficult thing to accomplish at FAU –– but it is. Give students the feedback they deserve. Personally respond to an email and provide students with the opportunity to talk it out. Be accessible, and be accountable. There’s something to say for being heard, and the students at FAU have gone too long without having that privilege.
Sincerely, Cealia Brannan Special Issue Editor
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June, 18th 2013
Contents Cover 8 Find out what FAU will do to find a new president. 14 See how the two previous FAU presidents fared in comparison to Saunders. 18 In case you missed it: we compiled a timeline of events that happened while Mary Jane Saunders was president. 22 Saunders’ duties and responsibilities as President. 28 See what FAU students had to say about Saunders’ resignation. 30
Special Issue Editor Cealia Brannan
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Senior Editors - Ryan Cortes, Rolando Rosa
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Sports Editor - Zack Kelberman
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Copy Editors - Sarah Pruzansky, Christopher Ross
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Photo by Ryan Murphy
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The getaway One month after quitting as university president—midtterm— Mary Jane Saunders returns to the faculty, retaining 80 percent of her salary to do, well, no one knows yet By Cealia Brannan
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June, 18th 2013
June, 18th 2013
9
Photos by Ryan Murphy
M
oving day is fast approaching for former FAU
“With the designation, I have the duties, signatory authority
President Mary Jane Saunders.
and decision-making authority of the president.”
She’s moving out of the Baldwin House and turning in
Saunders’ contract guarantees her tenure as a professor in
her keys to the Office of the President — the only room with
FAU’s college of science and allows her to return to a faculty
a window — on the third floor of the Kenneth R. Williams
position in the case that her contract isn’t renewed. She
Administration Building. In exchange, Saunders is returning
will retain 80 percent of her salary and will spend the next
to the faculty after handing in her resignation letter to the
year researching the development of a physician’s assistant
Board of Trustees — the 13 highest-ranking officials at FAU
program at FAU, according to the press release.
— that hired her. “The issues and the fiercely negative media coverage have forced me to reassess my position as the President of FAU,” Saunders wrote in her resignation letter, one month after telling the Sun Sentinel that she felt “totally secure” in her job. According to Assistant Vice President of University Communications Scott Silversten, “Dr. Saunders did not
“The details regarding President Saunders’ work on developing a Physician’s Assistant Program have not yet been finalized,” Silversten said in an email to the UP. Barbar sent out an email to faculty and students expressing his regret and listing her accomplishments as president of FAU. “FAU, its students and the region benefited from the strong
resign from the University. She resigned from the role
vision she had for the University’s future – a future she set in
of president and remains a member of the faculty.” Her
motion,” he wrote in the email.
resignation letter served as her 90-day notice. Saunders and BOT Chair Anthony Barbar agreed to
Saunders is credited in the email with “doubling enrollment and freshman applications,” launching FAU’s
appoint Dennis Crudele, senior vice president for finance
medical school, increasing donations, leading FAU to receive
and administration, to be the acting president of FAU until
the highest achievement score with the Southern Association
Saunders’ 90 days are over and the university can appoint
of Colleges and Schools, and improving campus with the
an interim president, according to a press release about her
construction of the stadium, dorms, and classrooms. Near the end of Saunders’ term, FAU encountered
resignation. “I’m honored to be able to serve in this role. I have been here for 26 years and really love this university,” Crudele said
controversies that started headlining newspapers back in December. On Dec. 20, an associate professor in FAU’s school of
in an email. According to FAU’s press release, Barbar plans to have an
communication, James Tracy, was recognized by the media
interim president by this fall, and a search committee shortly
for his blog post that suggested the Newtown shootings
after. (Turn to page 15 to see how FAU administrators are
never happened. Although his blog lists a disclaimer that
starting the search for an interim president, and eventually, a
disconnects its relationship from FAU, Interim Dean of the
new university president.)
College of Arts and Letters Heather Coltman sent Tracy a
Barbar said that while an acting president takes over the “administrative functions of the president,” an interim
letter of reprimand for mentioning FAU in his blogs. Tracy, who disagreed with FAU’s reprimand, believed
president “assumes the actual duties and role of the present
the attention received by his blog was because it was
[sic]” until FAU hires the next president.
controversial, the UP previously reported.
“An acting president serves as the senior officer in the absence of the president,” Crudele explained through email.
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June, 18th 2013
“What it gets down to is a matter of academic freedom and freedom of speech,” Tracy said in an earlier UP article.
Following the negative attention from Tracy’s blog, FAU accepted the offer of GEO Group — a privately owned prison
then, but this year she hired a bodyguard. Shortly after, the media caught wind of FAU’s former
company with legal baggage and misconduct charges — to
Athletic Director Craig Angelos’ claim that the stadium was
buy its stadium’s naming rights for $6 million paid over the
almost named for Chick-fil-A, and later found Tracy’s April
course of 12 years.
16 blog suggesting the Boston bombings were planned.
Faculty and students protested the deal and formed the Stop Owlcatraz Coalition to fight it. During this ordeal, the media heard directly from Ryan Rotela, an FAU junior, about a class exercise that involved stepping on a piece of paper with the name “Jesus” written
The whirlwind of events finally culminated in Saunders’ resignation as president of FAU. Now, Acting President Crudele hopes to give FAU a fresh start. “My goal is to hand over a clean slate to the Interim
on it. The Mormon student allegedly told the professor of the
President in the fall,” he said through email. “I will be
intercultural communications class, Deandre Poole, that he
empowering the senior staff to make decisions on some of the
“wanted to hit him,” the UP previously reported. Then Rotela
outstanding issues facing the University.”
was suspended before FAU apologized and placed Poole — whose one year contract has not yet been renewed — on administrative leave. Leading up to GEO’s pull out, Stop Owlcatraz protesters followed Saunders and surrounded her car while holding signs, as she began to drive away. In the process, her car hit
Another of his goals is to create “a structure at FAU that leads to decisiveness, responsiveness and transparency.” Two weeks after he was appointed, he sent out a letter to the students at FAU explaining these goals and his history at the university. “We have a lot of great things happening here and I look
Britni Hiatt, a member of Stop Owlcatraz and senior women’s
forward to helping FAU continue on its very strong academic,
studies major.
campus and community trajectory.”
On March 27, a new BOT member was appointed — with financial baggage and a previous working relationship with Saunders — but backed out almost a month later for the “appearance of impropriety,” the UP previously reported.
Highlights
Another BOT member, Angela Graham-West, claimed she was being stalked and “harassed” by students who showed up at her office to discuss ending the deal with GEO Group, according to the previous UP article. This prompted her husband Allen West, a former U.S. congressman, to issue a warning to students shortly after on April 17. Following this incident, Saunders hired a bodyguard to walk with her around FAU’s campus, according to the Sun Sentinel. Three years ago in May, the UP reported Saunders saying, “I really do want all the students that commit to us that we commit to them and we help them be successful.” She expressed her willingness to hear from students back
Here’s a few of Saunders’ accomplishments at FAU: She raised more than $50 million in her term. Enrollment went from 12,700 to 30,000 students. Eight new campus buildings opened, including the FAU Stadium and the Innovation Village Student Residence. She moved FAU Athletics into Conference USA. Source: FAU Quick Facts and President Announces on FAU.edu.
June, 18th 2013
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Administrative Assistant
Special Assistant for Communications President
June, 18th 2013
VP Facilities/ University Architect VP Community Engagement
Sr. VP Finance & Administration
Sr. VP Student Affairs
Inspector General
Athletic Director
Provost & Chief Academic Officer
General Council
Board of Trustees 14
VP Executive Operations
VP Research VP Strategic Planning & Information Technology
Who’s next
The search for a new president begins after Saunders resignation
F
ormer President Mary Jane Saunders made history as Florida Atlantic University’s second woman president, and sixth so far. Now, it’s time to find a new president. Since Saunders gave a 90-day notice in her resignation letter, Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration Dennis Crudele was appointed as acting president to stand in her place. “Dennis was selected for this short-term administrative responsibility because of his long tenure with the university, solid understanding of how to facilitate decision-making and intricate understanding of university operations,” Board of Trustees Chair Anthony Barbar explained in an email. According to an FAU press release, Barbar “expects to have an interim president in place by fall 2013” and a search committee appointed soon after. FAU will have to jump through several hoops to find the next president. The guide below demonstrates how FAU will find its next Baldwin House resident:
1 2 3 4 5 6
Photo by Ryan Murphy
-The current FAU president resigns and an interim president is appointed.
-A search committee is formed.
-The committee reviews applicants and selects five semi-finalists.
-The committee interviews the semi-finalists and picks three finalists. -The finalists meet the university community and surrounding community by hosting open forums. -The BOT interview the finalists and select one to be the next president of FAU.
Source: The Office of the President Selection Process on FAU.edu June, 18th 2013
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FAU
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June, 18th 2013
For more information regarding Room Self Selection 2013 please visit: www.fau.edu/housing/roomselection
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d e y a P t e G x i F To r u O s e k a t s i m Find out more at our next meeting this Friday at 2:30 P.M. Student Union 214
June, 18th 2013
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Past presidents Trending? Shorter terms, fewer donations, controversial exits Photo courtesy of FAU Media Relations
Last three FAU presidents:
Anthony Catanese
Term length:
12 Years, 1990 to 2002
Annual salary:
$191,500
Money raised:
$199 million
Reason they resigned:
He became the president of the Florida Intitute of Technology.
Highlight of term:
He started FAU’s football program.
Low point of term:
He and his wife “illegally accepted” a $42,000 Corvette after leaving.
How they handled the controversy:
He returned the $42,000.
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June, 18th 2013
Photo courtesy of FAU Media Relations
Photo by Michelle Friswell
Frank Brogan
Mary Jane Saunders
Six years, 2003 to 2009
Three years, 2010 to 2013
$357,000
$345,000
$120 million
$50 million
He became chancellor of Florida’s State University System.
Because of “fiercely negative media” FAU received, she left her position as president to take a “permanent” faculty position.
He expanded FAU with more than 30 construction projects.
She doubled enrollment at FAU
He took $577,952 from campus vending machine revemue in order to pay the “recently fired chief fundraiser his severance pay.”
She hit a student with her car, which led to disciplinary actions against the student and other protesters.
He turned down his bonus due to FAU’s budget problems.
Saunders asked the student for an apology, which led to the student asking Saunders to pay her medical bills.
Chastity Pascoe contributed reporting to this story.
Source: Office of the President and 50th Anniversary Report on FAU.edu, University Press, Sun Sentinel June, 18th 2013
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March 3
Legislation that authorizes FAU’s medical program passes.
The US department of energy names FAU’s center for ocean energy technology as its third national center for ocean energy research and development. Sep. 1
May 26 Saunders’ contract is approved.
Saunders gives the State of the University address—a yearly speech the president gives on the university’s status and future goals.
Saunders takes office, as the sixth highest paid president in Florida’s 11 state universities.
Dec. 7 FAU names Margaret Leinen, the executive director of FAU’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute.
Photo by Ryan Murphy
2 010
Stadium groundbreaking.
June, 18th 2013
Nov. 10
FAU receives a $1.6 million grant for the department of education.
Oct. 15
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FAU hosts an installation ceremony for Saunders. She is inaugurated as FAU’s sixth president.
FAU’s University Club celebrates Saunders as the new president.
Oct. 14
June 7
Oct. 29
Photo courtesy of FAU
April 22
Aug. 3
Oct. 29
Oct. 15
Dec. 7
Photo courtesy of FAU
Mary Jane saunders is hired as the sixth president and second woman president of FAU.
The road she traveled What happened during Mary Jane Saunders‘ three-year term as FAU president
Feb. 11 FAU medical school receives preliminary accreditation.
April 14 Students at FAU protest Bassem Al-halabi, a professor with supposed ties to terrorism.
Oct 7
May 26
Construction is completed on FAU Stadium, one week before the first home game of 2011 against Western Kentucky.
FAU is named to the residential honor Roll for community service.
June 21 FAU celebrates its new stadium with a kick-off party.
Oct. 15 The first home game is held at FAU Stadium, in front of a nearly sold out crowd (29,103 announced out of the stadium’s 29,419 capacity). Nov. 30
2 011
Aug. 5 FAU welcomes its first medical school class with a White Coat Ceremony.
FAU receives a grant to conduct research on carbon cycling in the Everglades.
Zack Kelberman and Dylan Bouscher contributed to this reporting. Sources: Sun Sentinel, NewTimes Broward/Palm Beach, Upressonline, Boca Raton Tribune, FAU.edu June, 18th 2013
23
March 20 FAU student Jonatha Carr violently threatens her professor and classmates.
April 10 Obama visits FAU.
March 21 Saunders fires Athletic Director Craig Angelos.
Aug. 21 July 2 Saunders hires new Athletic Director Pat Chun.
Saunders is named one of South Florida's 25 most influential business women of 2012 by the South Florida Business Journal.
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June, 18th 2013
Oct. 28
FAU raises more than $50,000 for incoming medical students.
FAU’s faculty is critical of Saunders in the annual Faculty Union survey (46 percent rated her performance as below average or poor, 28 percent rated it as above average or excellent).
Sept. 10 A Board of Trustees meeting confirms that Saunders led FAU’s accreditation to be reaffirmed by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools with the highest achievement. Nov. 29 FAU announces that it will be leaving the Sun Belt Conference and joining Conference USA in 2014.
March 22
July 2
Left to Right: Photo courtesy of Leslie Nelao, Photo by Michelle Friswell
2 012
Aug. 8
Feb. Saunders says better Public Relations are needed. Jan. 1 FAU Associate Professor James Tracy writes a blog questioning the Newtown shootings.
Jan. 22
2013
FAU announces $700,000 buyout from Sun Belt to join Conference USA in 2013.
April 3
Feb. 19
Saunders tells the Sun Sentinel that she feels “totally secure” in her job.
FAU announces GEO Group’s donation to rename the FAU Stadium “GEO Group Stadium.”
Feb. 26
April 14 John Hiatt, Britni Hiatt’s father, demands an apology from Saunders.
The Stop Owlcatraz Coalition stages a sit-in protest outside Saunders’ office. April 16 March 21
The BOT blames Saunders for poorly handling controversies.
FAU Professor Deandre Poole asks students to step on a piece of paper with “Jesus” written on it. April 17 March 22 Saunders hits Britni Hiatt, a student protester, with her car.
Allen West calls student protesters “animals” in a warning he posts on Facebook and Twitter.
May 14 April 1
Saunders resigns.
GEO withdraws $6 million gift.
June, 18th 2013
25
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June, 18th 2013
Take a look at what goodies Saunders received and had to do as president of FAU
PERKS
-Appointed as tenured professor in college of science -$345,000 annual base salary (FAU paid $225,000 and FAU Foundation paid the remaining sum) -Retirement benefits are equal to 15 percent of her base salary -Eligible for annual bonus of $50,000 based on performance -Given residence in the Eleanor R. Baldwin House at FAU’s expense -Received $15,000 for moving costs
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June, 18th 2013
-Florida life insurance benefits -Funds provided for her spouse to travel with her -FAU Foundation provided a car (insured and kept up) that would be replaced every three years -FAU Foundation reimbursed Saunders for activities related to FAU -After her five year term, she could take a one-year sabbatical with 90 percent of her base salary -Next two years as professor, she will be paid 80 percent of her base salary
Presidential duties and responsibilities
DUTIES
-Act as corporate secretary to BOT -FAU’s leader of faculty and education -Offer strategic planning, prepare and operate budget -In charge of developing and overseeing the hiring, promotion, transfer, compensation, demotion, discipline, reward, and termination of FAU personnel -Oversee admissions, contracts, and FAU construction -Custodian of FAU property
-Responsible for incorporating approved programs into FAU -Set up academic calender -Oversee athletics program -Power to establish and terminate degree programs -Award degrees -Suggest the tuition and fees to be charged by FAU -Approve procedures in student government procedures -Periodically review University operations
Source: Former FAU President Mary Jane Saunders’ contract (Now available on Scribd.com/Upressonline) June, 18th 2013
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Student opinions
The UP asked students for their opinion about Saunders’ resignation in a Facebook post. This is the conversation that unfolded:
University Press Readers, Tell us how you feel about Saunders resigning to be featured in next month’s issue.
Chris Cuccia Makes sense... Just don't slander her. She seems like a nice lady[.]
Tyler Sheinberg She had no choice. The students forced her out. I am sick and tired of the FAU Students thinking they can run the University. Hopefully we'll get someone who will fight back and not be terrified of the dumbass students who think they can run FAU. We need a leader that will make changes and back their decisions firmly.
Renata Glebocki Students should run FAU. The president's position is more symbolic.
Nadine Aly The role of a leader is to represent the people. She CLEARLY was not qualified to do so. Good riddance, maybe this time we'll get a president that knows how to effectively deal with their students.
Renata Glebocki I think there needs to be a new university order that is for the students and run by students. Power to the people!
Dan K. Alexander FAU's best days are ahead of us.
Tyler Sheinberg Students should NOT run the university! Finish your degree, then apply for an administrative position if that's your plan. Student Government is there to help bridge the gap between students and the administration, but should NOT ultimately makes major decisions for the university.
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June, 18th 2013
Nadine Aly These 'major' decisions the university takes, they should have the consent of the students first. Their job is to serve the students, not to benefit their own political reputation and financial gain. Unless you want a university administration as corrupt as our government.
Renata Glebocki They work for us. We don't work for them.
Nadine Aly 4-8 years to be along the lines of realistic. For those that finish their undergraduate degree, there are some that also pursue graduate degrees at FAU. Regardless of the student's graduating year, their voices have a right to be heard. That argument shouldn't even exist, I could inquire why do students get involved with ANYTHING the university does if [it’s] just "temporary"? Upon graduating from FAU, your alumni position is with you for the rest of your life, so it does affect the graduating class of 2013 as well. And just to put this out there, our judgment on refusing to be associated with a for profit prison company is one hell of a good one. Cheap political points are not going to be overlooked at FAU, we can assure you of that.
Renata Glebocki Everything in life is short and temporary. The students who care should do whatever they can to improve the environment around them so that incoming students have a foundation to stand on to improve the university.
June, 18th 2013
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