Support Rally: For Open UM Presidential Search
UMFA is organizing a rally to support Senate’s recommendation to open the presidential search to the university community by gathering in the atrium outside Senate chambers (E3-262 Engineering Building) at 1:00pm on Wednesday, February 6th in advance of the 1:30pm Senate meeting.
All AESES members are welcome to join AESES President, Laurie Morris, at the rally in a show of unity. However, they will need to obtain supervisory approval to adjust their lunch hour if needed, or otherwise use vacation and/or banked time.
Background:
The University of Manitoba recently announced that the process has begun for the search for a new UM President as David Barnard’s term nears its end in 2020. What many AESES members may not be aware of is that for this particular presidential search, the Board of Governors has decided that it will be a closed process.
Concern was raised by UMFA and UMSU Senate representatives, and a motion was passed by Senate to recommend to the Board of Governors that they open the presidential search to the university community. Regardless of this important motion from Senate, the Board of Governors has refused to open the search.
The effect of this is to deny the university community the opportunity to be made aware of the short-listed candidates, hear them deliver a public presentation outlining their vision for the UM, and the opportunity for those interested to provide an assessment of the candidates to the search committee.
Transparency and collegial consideration is vitally important in the search for a new leader for the university. This individual will play a large role in setting the future direction for the university and in creating and maintaining an atmosphere of respect and inclusion. For President Barnard and the Board of Governors to dismiss the value that this openness provides is short-sighted.