2008 Woodie Awards
Meet the new provost
Colleen Roberts
Issue date: 8/22/07 Section: Campus
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The provost oversees the academic side of the university; that includes the colleges, the library, technology services, extended education and a number of those areas.
What do you hope to accomplish in your term as Provost?
I think in the first year what I need to do is focus on how the budget reductions are implemented in the different units and to try to help insure it is done in a sustainable way.
This year, we have the largest Freshman class in the history of the University, will that help with the budget?
It will bring some new money to campus. The revenues come in two parts: One part is the Chancellor's office gives us in general funds support.
That won't change because the new students will help us meet our enrollment target. That is what we have been getting all along.
The other part is the university fee that the students pay. The more students you have, the more money you have that way. So, the increased number of students in term of the university fee, there will be a little more money there.
Where we are really looking at probably having a bigger increase is if we meet our enrollment target this year, then President Richmond can argue for an increased target next year. That will bring both the general fund money and the University fee money to campus which will be a lot more money.
The student fees have increased this year. There is speculation that it may not go to athletics as previously proposed.
You know I don't understand that really.
It is something I need to find out about to be honest. I don't understand what the restriction are, I really don't.
Part of the new fees included the new Jack Pass. Will you be using it?
I will be using it. I have been either busing or riding my bicycle for most of the time I have been on campus.
In the new job I have to drive more regularly then I would like. But I hope to ride the bus at least two or three times? a week.
You have been at HSU since 1989. What positions have you held?
I came as a lecturer in the Philosophy Dept. Then got a tenure track job in the philosophy department. I have been department chair.
I have spent a lot of time on faculty governance both on the local academic senate as chair of Education policies for three years.
I was on the statewide senate as chair of the academic affairs committee and vice chair of the Senate. Then I moved on to the Dean job at Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.
Sounds like you are well prepared for all of the meetings you will be sitting in.
All day long - - lots of meetings. Even more then at the Deans level and I didn't think that was possible. I know for the first few weeks, if I want to get anything done, I have to do it before 8 or after 5. I am in meetings all the rest of the time.
You are known for socializing with students in The Depot - to have coffee and chat. Do you think you'll have anytime to do that?
I hope so. I hope to have some unstructured time, both to talk to people and maybe do some running over noon.
How would you prefer students to address you?
Oh, Bob please. I am informal. And open, so folks can always come and talk to me.
Colleen Roberts can be reached at cr45@humboldt.edu
