Hello, my name is Jane Reggio and I am the President of the Administrative/Professional Council. My remarks today are on behalf of the Council and all Administrative/Professional employees.
First, I would like to acknowledge and thank Chairperson Sulaski and the entire Board for affording campus members the opportunity to address issues within the publication of the Fisher Report. It took courage on the Board's part to release the document to the entire campus community at one time. This document has allowed for the opening of doors to address issues that for years have not been openly addressed. This and recent efforts towards increased dialogue are greatly appreciated.
The overall perspective of this report is a positive one, providing the University with tools that the community can use to position itself for the future. The community should enjoy the positive aspects, examine the suggestions, and reach its own conclusions. Critical to this discussion is the question of what constitutes a university or more specifically Illinois State University. While the Report clearly addresses two constituent groups its lack of inclusion of all stakeholders is unfortunate. Also, the report's focus on african-americans as the primary minority group looses the essence of the richness in diversity that is Illinois State University. Although, we agree that the campus must do a far better job in recruiting and retaining a more diverse campus community.>
Central to any discussion of the Fisher Report and the future of Illinois State University is the topic of our niche. Beginning a dialogue on our niche seems appropriate and certainly not a new concept. This report provides the beginnings for the debate. While a past publication cited Illinois State University as an institution that "provided an Ivy League education at a reasonable cost" using the term "public ivy" may have a negative connotation to some while appealing to others. However, it is not the term that is critical, but the concept of a niche that focuses on the ideals and mission of Illinois State University. The minute we aspire to become someone else we loose sight of what we are and should be. We need to define Illinois State University. As an institution we need not only aspire to higher selectivity in recruiting students but we must also focus on the outcomes - those students we graduate. Illinois State University must and does add value to the lives of our students. We must continue to focus on excellent teaching, higher quality of student life which is student centered, dedication to the State of Illinois and its citizens, and institutional community. Illinois State University is an institution of excellence in many areas. This notion of excellence in key select areas can become a rallying point for the whole campus.
Another issue clearly delineated in the report is the concept of shared governance. Settlement of the stalemate for governance is necessary. Clearly the campus constituencies should be involved in issues of relevance to them. However, the Report's notice that we need to get off this issue of ultimate authority since it is designated in legislation and move forward is a necessity. Everyone must examine his or her roles and work within the framework provided. This seemingly never-ending battle has begun to effect employee morale. Key university constituents need to come together to end this debate once and for all. Hopefully, reports from the two committees on shared governance will provide a catalyst for ending this stalemate.
There were a few specific items within the report that the constituents I represent asked be addressed:
In addition, we need to note the Report's acknowledgement of the good work that administrative/professional staff does in support services for students. Administrative/Professional employees are proud of what we accomplish on a daily basis for an institution we believe worthy of our professional commitment. We hope the Board will take time to become more aware of the excellent contributions of Administrative/Professional staff both individually where appropriate, and certainly as a group.
The Fisher Report provides a starting point for further dialogue between the Board of Trustees and the entire university community. The Report like any other assessment needs to be reviewed for correctness, applicability, and usefulness.
Sam Walton once said, and I quote "The key to success is to get out into the store and listen to what the associates have to say. It's terribly important for everyone to get involved. Our best ideas come from clerks and stockboys." Board members, faculty, administrative/professional staff, civil service employees and students must all play a part in defining Illinois State University. Students, past, present and future, deserve this debate and its resolution. As administrative/professional employees, we are eager to participate in this process. Administrative/Professional staff through the Council stands ready to provide input wherever appropriate.
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