The presidential search committee has just announced that the three remaining candidates will be participating in open forums for the Oakland University community.

Just 26 hours after The Oakland Post called for the Oakland University Board of Trustees to open up on the presidential search, Chairman of the Board Michael Kramer released an email to the OU campus community outlining the board’s future plans for hosting open forums and a timeline for filling the position.

On Monday, June 2 Kramer had sent out an email explaining that “extensive open campus forums will not be part of the ongoing process,” causing unrest among concerned faculty, staff and students.

The board has not released any further details on if the public will be allowed to voice its opinion during these meetings.

“Each of the finalists also will participate in an all-campus forum open to faculty, staff and students,” reads the current announcement. “The schedule of forums will be released by the Office of the President as soon as possible.

“After the campus visits are completed, the Board of Trustees will select the next president of Oakland University from the field of finalists. The appointment will be made before the end of August.”

Reactions

Though the announcement has only just arrived, it is already receiving mixed reactions from students and staff.

“It doesn’t show any recognition of the flawed process to date,” said communications professor Sharon Howell. “Having as yet unscheduled forums, without any mechanism for serious input from students, administrators or faculty this strikes me as a hollow gesture.”

Vice President Liz Iwanski and Student Body President Annie Meinberg of the Oakland University Student Congress said they are pleased with this announcement.

Iwanski, however, said although she is excited by how fast the committee is working she is concerned that less students will be aware of the process and forums due to their happening over the summer break.

“We will be using all outlets at our disposal to inform students of this important issue,” Iwanski said. 

Keep an eye on OUSC social media, the two said.

“I think students need to get involved in this process,” Meinberg said. “We’ll do our part for Student Congress to inform the students.

The Post will update with more information as it arrives.