The call to close Eastern Michigan University for evening
classes Feb. 1 and all day Feb. 2 was made before a snowflake
had fallen, but was a sound decision, given the widely
reported threat of a large blizzard heading for the Ypsilanti
area.
President Susan Martin elaborated on those discussions
during a session of "Conversations With The President," the
latest of which took place Feb. 8 in the food court area
of the Student Center.
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Q&A: Eastern Michigan University President
Susan
Martin addresses a question from a student
during
the latest "Conversations with the President," which
took place in the food court atrium of the Student
Center Feb. 8. Martin discussed a number
of topics,
including the recent snow day and possibilities
of
state budget cuts in higher education.
|
The event is part of an ongoing series of appearances
by the president around campus, to offer updates and hear
the questions and concerns of students and staff.
The decision to close the University comes from the president,
in consultation with the head of EMU's Physical Plant and
EMU's chief of police. Key variables include the status
of area roads and the ability of EMU staff to clear EMU
entryways and parking lots.
In this case, radar clearly showed a monster storm heading
EMU's way, despite mostly snow-free conditions during daylight
hours Feb. 1. The decision to close the University was
made early that afternoon.
"It was a good decision," Martin told the students, before
adding, playfully and half-jokingly, "Don't count on it
again."
Martin offered a University update and answered questions
for about 40 minutes. Among the highlights:
- Eastern and other public universities in Michigan will
be watching with great interest as Governor Rick
Snyder unveils his state budget recommendation Feb. 17.
Estimates of a cut have ranged as high as 20 percent,
said Martin, who is in Lansing almot every week,
as she builds relationships and makes EMU's case for
state funding.
"Those are some alarming numbers," she said of higher
estimated budget cuts. "Stay tuned."
- EMU Day in Lansing is scheduled March 15. Buses will
depart from campus with staff and students as EMU seeks
to "flood the Capitol" with supporters, Martin said.
And if persons can't make it to Lansing that day, Martin
urged students to contact their state representative,
noting how EMU led the state of Michigan in low tuition
the past two years.
"We held the line," Martin said. "We feel that restraint
should be rewarded."
- Martin expects that her recent appointment to the St.
Joseph Mercy Health System Board of Directors will result
in additional internship opportunities for EMU students
as the University continues to bolster its health programs.
- EMU continues to seek to add wireless connections,
as money allows. Last fall, the University completed
wireless connections in the First-Year Center. (Wireless
connections) are a priority for me and the board of regents," Martin
said.
- In response to a question, EMU Provost and Executive Vice
President Jack Kay said the idea of creating a class in
sign language would be discussed.
- EMU will pursue some sort of package with the Ann Arbor
Transportation Authority (AATA) that allows Eastern
students to ride for a reduced rate, similar to benefits
enjoyed by University of Michigan and Washtenaw Community
College students. Martin recently filmed a video
for the AATA that urges community residents to use the
award-winning bus service.
