University
of Colorado Student Union Legislative Council
February 7, 2008 68LCR#3-Presidential Candidates
Sponsored by: Boyce
Postma Leg. Council President
Hadley
Brown UCSU Tri-Executive
Dustin
Farivar Leg. Council Vice President
Daniel
Ramos Representative-at-Large
Authored by: Boyce Postma Leg.
Council President
Hadley
Brown UCSU Tri-Executive
Resolution
Calling for More Qualified Candidates for President of the University of
Colorado
Bill
History
On
Wednesday, January 30th, the Regents of the University of Colorado
voted 7-2 to accept the Presidential Search Committee’s sole nomination for the
presidency of the CU system, Mr. Bruce Benson. Since this time, the students
have voiced great concern over the process in which this candidate was selected
and the qualifications of the sole finalist.
Whereas: The students of the University of
Colorado at Boulder believe that the President of this university should
possess an advanced degree and experience in a research field enabling him/her
to serve as Chief Academic Officer of the University
Whereas: The students support and value the
institution of tenure and believe that the president of the university should
uphold these values
Whereas: The students of the University of
Colorado at Boulder value a presidential candidate with experience in
fundraising, administration and academics
Whereas: The students of the University of
Colorado at Boulder would like a candidate who is committed to promoting environmental
and climate issues
Whereas: The students recognize the need for
a president who can serve as a positive and effective leader among the members
of the Colorado Legislature.
Whereas: The students believe the president
of the University of Colorado should be committed to the issues of diversity
and culture on CU campuses and possess adequate knowledge of these issues on
our campuses.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
Section 1:The
University of Colorado Student Union will not endorse the Presidential Search
Committee's sole nominee, Mr. Bruce Benson, because we believe he does not meet
the qualifications the students of the University of Colorado value in the
president of this institution as laid out in this resolution.
Section 2: While the UCSU does not support
Mr. Benson's selection as
President of our university, it is not the
purpose of this resolution to attack Mr.
Benson personally, and the UCSU is committed
to working toward a more prosperous and enriching university with whoever is
eventually selected as president.
Section
2.1: UCSU thanks Mr. Benson for his generous financial support to the
University of Colorado, and hopes that Mr. Benson will continue as a charitable alumni for the university. However, UCSU respectfully asks Mr. Benson
to decline the role as university president because we feel he is not suited
for this particular role.
Section
2.2: The UCSU asks the Board of Regents to allow the presidential search
committee to reconvene the search and produce better qualified candidates with
backgrounds in both academics and business, who are committed to CU's research
in sustainability, support tenure, and who have knowledge of higher education
issues. UCSU encourages the search committee to produce more than one finalist
to participate in a public vetting process.
Section 3: This bill shall take effect upon
passage by the Legislative Council and upon either obtaining the signatures of
two Tri-Executives or the elapse of six days without action by the
Tri-Executives.
Section 4: Upon passage, this resolution
shall be distributed to the Board of Regents, Chancellors, Vice Chancellors,
and the public through standard media.
Vote Count
2/7/08 Passed 12-2-3
2/14/08 Passed 9-2-2
________________________
_______________________
Boyce Postma Hadley Brown
Legislative Council President Tri-Executive
_______________________ _______________________
Charles Gilford III Sarah Divine
Tri-Executive Tri-Executive