Students drilled top University officials one by one Monday night in Student Government’s first ever election forum in the Student Union. Administrators packed into one room and answered questions from candidates running in the upcoming SG election. The questions centered around how administrators would properly get things completed. Administrators explained their part as available resources for the students seeking leadership roles on campus. One of the administrators – Acting Chancellor William Jenkins – who initiated the forum idea three weeks ago, opened the dialogue. “When this issue came up, it struck me as being very appropriate that we bring a good cross-section of our administrators and have our candidates have some perspective about what LSU really is about,” Jenkins said. “I am going to learn as much as many of you are as we listen.” Other administrators present included Executive Vice Chancellor Astrid Merget, Assistant to the Chancellor D’Ann Morris, Associate Dean of Students Darrell Ray and Associate Vice Chancellor for Budget and Planning Robert Kuhn. Eric Monday, associate vice chancellor for finance and administration, attended the forum and announced he will serve as interim vice chancellor for Student Life and Academic Services beginning next week. Monday’s announcement came the same day Neil Mathews stepped down from the position. SG President Cassie Alsfeld and Vice President Josh King told candidates to take advantage of having administrators in one room to answer questions. Alsfeld and King addressed candidates running for president and vice president about their responsibilities as leaders of the student body and offered personal tips. “Start planning early, this job is very fast-paced,” Alsfeld said. “A lot of decisions need to be made on a day-to-day basis, and a lot of your work will take place during the summer. Just having that happen and having that open door with students and administrators is absolutely essential.” When the floor opened for questions, SG presidential candidate Dixon McMakin, who serves as SG director of athletics, asked the first question. “What are some of the ways we can avoid running around for months before can see anything done,” McMakin asked. Monday said the key is to utilize the resources dedicated to serving student body leaders. He told McMakin to expect to see a higher level of engagement between students and administrators. “We are a university so there is no one-stop-shop for every issue,” Monday said. “We can point you in the right direction if we don’t know the answer.” KC White, dean of students, said “doing the homework” is critical to getting things accomplished as a student leader. White said this is where administrators come into play. “As you come to know us and work with us, you will come to know we are not the enemy, and we are here because of you,” White said. Student Senate Speaker Colorado Robertson, another SG presidential candidate, questioned administrators about the University budget and increasing student fees. “What is the overall consensus for the upcoming budget of how much will be coming from the state and how much student fees will increase,” Robertson asked. Kuhn said the University’s operating budget for the 2007 – 2008 fiscal year is $436 million. Kuhn said state funds cover 58 percent of the budget, student tuition and fees cover 36 percent and outside sources generate 6 percent. Kuhn said the executive budget will not be announced until Friday, but student fee increases and tuition are necessary to compensate where the state budget lacks. McMakin targeted Jenkins with his second question focusing on the effectiveness of achieving things with so many University interim positions. “There are four here today. Is it hard getting things done with interims,” McMakin asked. The room filled with laughter when Jenkins said he has formed the “interim club.” Three interim administrators attended the forum in addition to Jenkins, an acting interim administrator. Jenkins told the candidates they should not be concerned about the number of interims employed by the University. “Curiously, there is an advantage to being an interim,” Jenkins said. “I can help this institution quickly. I would normally be concerned. But looking around this room, the interims in this room really know what they are doing.” As SG adviser, Ray told the candidates to proceed cautiously in their staff alliances. He told the candidates to think broadly in terms of serving their constituents and to seek out the University’s sub-populations. “They become your representatives, and people associate them with your ticket,” Ray said. Other administrators present include Executive Director of Public Safety and Interim Chief of Police Gary Durham, Associate Director of Contracted Auxiliary Services Jeff Campbell, Vice Chancellor of Communications and University Relations Rusty Jabour and Senior Associate Director of Athletics Verge Ausberry. Robertson and McMakin’s running mates also attended.
—-Contact Natalie Messina at [email protected]