2008 Woodie Awards
VPAA responds to 'Groups affected by Senate Bill 31'
John Hittinger
Issue date: 10/11/07 Section: Letters to the editor
- Page 1 of 1
Senate Bill 31 concerning student publications allows greater university-wide participation in the student publications, Cauldron and Laurels. A student publications board (which is a regular feature at most colleges and universities) will oversee the formation of budgets, the selection of editors, and the general policies for the two publications. The new board will implement a process which assures high academic and professional standards, transparency and accountability, as well as a respect for the common good of the university.
Obviously, editors were chosen, fees set, and budgets constructed for 2007-2008 prior to the possibility of the formation of a publications board. I have spoken many times with students involved with the publications. I have invited them to provide input on the make-up of the board. Dr. Sutton and I have reviewed the budgets with them. They have been repeatedly informed-at the beginning of the year and again after the 12th day financial report-that adequate funding is available and that they should proceed with their regular operations. They have been assured by both Dr. Sutton and myself that they will receive a budget that is comparable to the one they received last year.
I have been working on a model for the board. Many sectors of the university have made helpful suggestions and I will complete the formation of the board very soon. There has not been, nor will there be, any interruption in the publication of the Cauldron and Laurels.
Be assured that Senate Bill 31 is being properly implemented. I am convinced that SGA has done the right thing and that this Bill will benefit the student publications and the university community.
Obviously, editors were chosen, fees set, and budgets constructed for 2007-2008 prior to the possibility of the formation of a publications board. I have spoken many times with students involved with the publications. I have invited them to provide input on the make-up of the board. Dr. Sutton and I have reviewed the budgets with them. They have been repeatedly informed-at the beginning of the year and again after the 12th day financial report-that adequate funding is available and that they should proceed with their regular operations. They have been assured by both Dr. Sutton and myself that they will receive a budget that is comparable to the one they received last year.
I have been working on a model for the board. Many sectors of the university have made helpful suggestions and I will complete the formation of the board very soon. There has not been, nor will there be, any interruption in the publication of the Cauldron and Laurels.
Be assured that Senate Bill 31 is being properly implemented. I am convinced that SGA has done the right thing and that this Bill will benefit the student publications and the university community.