Tonight is the semi-annual Father Wild forum, an opportunity for students to freely ask questions of University President the Rev. Robert A. Wild, Senior Vice President Greg Kliebhan and Provost John Pauly.
Spare two hours of your evening, take a break from studying and be an active member of the student body by attending. Whether you voice your own concerns or simply listen to the discussion, this is a great way to stay informed of university happenings and progression.
This forum marks the first of two Wild will host in his last year as president. We hope he uses tonight to discuss the goals he has for his last year, establish new ones and inform students about the transition into Rev. Scott Pilzarz’s presidency.
Most importantly, we want Wild, Pauly and Kliebhan to address the four main areas — academic freedom, shared governance, the LGBTQ community’s needs and Marquette’s Catholic, Jesuit identity — Wild has said will be the focus of his last year.
We want to know what progress has been made in those four areas, and if plans of action have been instituted.
In a May letter to faculty, Pauly said the university is entering a time of “self-examination, repair and healing.” What steps is the university taking to recover from the tarnished reputation left by the last College of Arts & Sciences dean search? And are there updates on the next dean search, which we last heard would commence in fall 2011?
The university wants to make the dean position more attractive to potential candidates. Students and faculty are trusting Marquette to do this.
Wild, Pauly and Kliebhan also need to address campus development issues, especially the university’s recent offer to purchase Angelo’s Pizza Restaurant & Bar, which follows the purchase and closing of Jim Hegarty’s Pub in the spring.
Some students think the university might be attempting to make this a bar-free campus. Wild, Pauly and Kliebhan need to address this concern and the unclear future of the Angelo’s property.
We want to know what is happening with the space Hegarty’s held, and about the flower shop on 19th Street and Wisconsin Avenue that was reportedly purchased by a private firm to be made into student housing.
What progress has been made with the new engineering building, the Discovery Learning Complex? With a completion date set for August 2011, is everything moving along according to schedule?
During the forum, Wild, Pauly and Kliebhan need to offer detailed responses and examples. At past forums, students have received vague answers to their questions.
At the March “Wild Wild West” forum, it was asked what involvement students would have in the presidential search. Pauly responded, “The board of trustees wants and will actively pursue the input of all groups involved with the university.”
Examples and courses of action were not pinpointed, though in-depth answers are what students deserve. With only one forum a semester, it is essential students’ questions are answered with as much detail and information as possible.
It is important Wild leaves his presidency on a high note by both communicating the university’s progress in various goals as well as providing a smooth transition into Pilarz’s presidency.
Pilarz should join Wild at next spring’s forum to help better communicate that transition. Students should have a chance to hear Pilarz’s plans as well as ask him questions and voice their concerns for the 2011-’12 school year.
Tonight is a prime opportunity, and the only one of the semester, for students to talk with Wild, Pauly and Kliebhan. Take advantage of this forum. Ask questions, raise issues and listen to your fellow students’ concerns and the responses they receive.
