Deans' Roundtable lacking interest from deans

by Philip Elliott
THE POST

A Deans' Roundtable, planned by Ohio University's Student Senate, has received less support from deans than senators hoped. At least two deans said lack of planning might be to blame for the poor response for the Nov. 3 event.

Heather Martin, senate's academic affairs commissioner, arranged the roundtable to discuss issues such as academic advising, the possibility of adding a women's studies degree program, grade inflation, professor-student relations and syllabi availability. Technological issues, including online professor evaluations and online grading, also are on the agenda.

Martin said she sent invitations three weeks ago and requested that deans who planned to attend send their response by Oct. 20

Senate sponsored a similar roundtable at the end of Spring Quarter, Martin said. Every college had a representative at that discussion, but only two deans attended.

But this year's appointment is disappointing, Martin said.

"I'm really frustrated and feel (the deans) don't take it seriously," she said.

The deans do take senate's project seriously, but senate's planning is flawed, said Kathy Krendl, dean of the College of Communication.

Krendl will meet with OU alumna June Farrell, vice president for international public relations for Marriott Corporation, on the day of the roundtable. Farrell, an important influence in OU's programs, scheduled her visit as early as August, Krendl said.

OU Provost Sharon Brehm asked Krendl to host Farrell during her visit, Krendl said.

"(Senate) should have checked our schedules," she said. "I don't want to avoid engaging in conversations with senate, but we have to honor our commitments."

Assistant Dean Florence Riffe will not attend either, she said. Riffe has two classes that day and will not cancel classes for the discussion.

"My top priority is the students I teach," she said. "I'm not going to blow off two classes for anyone."

If senate had planned ahead, this would not be a problem.

"We'd love to come to their roundtable, but they need to pick up a phone or e-mail the deans," Riffe said.

Gary Neiman, dean of the College of Health and Human Services, will attend the event, said Marilyn Moore, administrative assistant in the college.

University College will send Associate Dean Ann Freter-Abrams, said Sandy Smith, records maintenance clerk in University College.

The College of Arts and Sciences will send Roger Rollins, associate dean of the college.

Joseph Berman, dean of the Honors Tutorial College, is in California discussing university projects, his assistant Thelma Kinnison said. Berman will be out of town until Monday.

The roundtable discussion is not on his calendar, Kinnison said.

Glenn Corlett, dean of the College of Business, will not attend the discussion either, said Debbie Evans, his administrative assistant. The college's executive advisory board will be in Athens that day, and he has commitments to it, she said. The business college might send a representative, but no plans are definite.

James Heap, dean of the College of Education, will be at the University of

Dayton during the roundtable, said Chris Dalesandry, administrative assistant in the dean's office.

Assistant Dean Bonnie Beach will meet with other educators in the region to coordinate grants from the U.S. Department of Education, she said.

Instead, Kim Brown, assistant director of student services, will represent the college, Beach said.

Raymond Tymas-Jones, dean of the College of Fine Arts, will be attending the Art, Body, Mind conference during the discussion, said Tina Deeter, a student records management officer.

The College of Osteopathic Medicine is not certain who will attend the conversation, said Carol Blue, an administrative assistant in the dean's office. Most of the issues on the agenda are pertinent to undergraduate students, not osteopathic students.

Despite the deans' alternative plans and criticisms, student senate commissioner Martin said she is upset.

"I would like to know what faculty think. We are really committed and need their help."