The provost search is finally drawing near the final stages. The Provost Search Committee narrowed down the search to Cathryn Newton, Robert McGrath and current interim Provost Warwick Arden. The provost position is more involved and important to students. Students need to attend the candidates’ interviews to get to know the candidates, because the hire will affect the direction of academics and funds at the University.

The new provost will spearhead the University’s Strategic Plan process. This means he or she will monitor how all aspects of the University may change. Some of these changes will directly affect students. The new provost needs to be trustworthy and students need to make sure the changes he or she proposes are in line with what’s best for students. If the candidate doesn’t hold the same priorities as a student, the student should voice his or her opinion so their voice is heard.

With more tuition and fee increases on the horizon, students should be paying attention to the provost. While the University’s top academic advisor doesn’t determine tuition, he or she does allocate money to academic programs, including faculty research and special projects. This year is going to be tough on the University’s budget, so the provost will be prioritizing programs. Students need to be aware of how each candidate feels about the services offered by the University, and make sure the provost is looking out for the programs students think are most important.

Since the chancellor moved Student Affairs under the provost, the new hire will also affect students’ experiences while they are at the University. They will have “the opportunity to define the critical issues of undergraduate student life, both inside and outside the classroom,” according to the job description for the provost. Students’ experiences with the University will be changed by whomever is chosen.

Students need to interact with the provost candidates while they are on campus and then provide the chancellor with feedback about the best candidate that will represent them. The candidate should maintain the integrity of the position and the University. This is a time for students to evaluate how their experience has been and how it can improve. The provost’s vision should be students’ main concern.  Apathy is not an option when the student experience is on the line, but students have to take initiative and make their voice heard in this search.