Although the university decided not to name any University Professors this year, one student group has fought to ensure this award program remains a part of OU's future.

The student-run University Professor Organizing Committee, which formed Winter Quarter and became an official student organization just last month, has strived to improve awareness and solicit student involvement in the University Professor Award program.

The University Professor Award is given to a handful of outstanding professors in recognition of their teaching skills. In past years student nominations for this award have numbered nearly 4,000. Because that number decreased to 1,000 this year, the university has decided not to name any University Professors in 1998. But students will have another chance to honor their professors next fall between Oct. 13 and 15.

The decrease in nominations this year is linked to the implementation of the Touch-Tone Registration and Information Processing System in 1993. Prior to the development of TRIPS, the nomination ballots were included with class registration cards. Since then, students have voted through ballots printed in the quarterly schedule books and forms available through the University College.

David Schaff began soliciting support for the award as an interpersonal communication class project. He then agreed to take on the responsibility of aiding the continuation of the cause out of the classroom as the committee's chairman and seeking interested students to join the cause.

The entire student body will have the chance to voice its opinion about the future of the award on Student Senate ballots Wednesday. The ballot reads: "Do you feel the University Professor program is a worthwhile project that should be maintained by students and supported by faculty?"

By nominating professors for this award, students can influence their education directly, according to a committee flier.

"We have a great core group because we are dedicated to the organization and cause," Schaff said. "I have 100 percent confidence that this organization will turn it around and keep the program in student hands."