N.C. State’s bold motto “red means go” commands an equally bold administration. 2012 was fraught with economic uncertainty, political strife and compromise — we can expect to see more of the same in 2013. However, precarious times are when our policy makers and University administration can make the biggest impact. The following are Technician’s expectations of and suggestions to Chancellor Randy Woodson and University leaders for 2013.
Take a pay cut
University of California Berkley’s The Daily Californian columnist Jason Willick addressed the then new chancellor, Nicholas Dirks in “A memo to the next chancellor.” Willick proposed that Chancellor Dirks take a voluntary 10 percent pay cut of his $495,000 annual salary and direct it to students in need of financial assistance. Technician urges Chancellor Woodson to do the same. Though Woodson only (and we use that word lightly) earns $420,000, chances are that foregoing $42,000 will not leave him strapped for cash — not to mention, it could pay tuition for 14 in-state students or four out-of-state students. The suggestion seems even more manageable when one considers the chancellor’s free-of-charge housing in The Point — the newly built, swanky 8,500-square-foot mansion (to be fair, he does host several fundraising events there). And much like Willick’s suggestion, the finncial impact appears paltry — one drop to fix a drought — but the gesture and message are more important. This deed would signal to students that even the highest rung of the N.C. State’s immediate administration is fighting alongside the students.
Also, any economics major would argue that the marginal utility of those dollars would be higher for students struggling to pay tuition than in Chancellor Woodson’s pocket.
Continue seeking student input
Administrators have been doing a good job of this already. Keeping students in policy-making discussions is crucial. In 2012 Woodson often sought input from students via his Chats with the Chancellor — students also played an essential role in deciding the fate of the proposed sustainability fee and other cost increases. Unfortunately, the fault here is with the student body. Attendance was pitiful, which means students missed out on chances to voice their opinions. Additionally, Vice Chancellor for the Division of Academic and Student Affair Mike Mullen did a commendable job incorporating student feedback into the student fee increase process. In nearly every step of the process of fee increases, he had students weigh in on critical decisions, getting off on the right foot with his new career.
Though the events aren’t as exciting as First Friday or last Monday night, they are infinitely more important.
Despite the student body’s proclivity for playing hard to get with administration in this case, we urge Woodson and company to keep trying. As Jimmy Valvano would say, “Don’t give up … don’t ever give up.”
Be boldly transparent
Our final suggestion is that NCSU’s administration should be upfront about its weaknesses. Perhaps students would be more inclined to attend roundtable discussions or chats if we were told where the University is bleeding money. The letters from Woodson’s office often explain what the University is doing right in these economically rough times — that’s all well and good — but knowing where the University is lacking will better serve students. Being open about administrative struggles will not only perk up students’ ears, but will also undoubtedly give rise to more productive discussions.
Beat UNC-Chapel Hill in basketball
Do what you have to do, but only as long as it’s clean.