The Lumberjack

Issue date: 9/12/07 Section: Campus

Media Credit: Stephanie Haller

Kay LaBahn Clark stood before the packed Goodwin Forum, and through the microphone, voiced her feelings about the German program being the only academic program, so far, targeted for elimination.

"I sincerely hope that no faculty will have to go through this like I did last Spring," she said.

LaBahn, director of the German program, called on the campus coming together to fix the problems facing the university through shared insight and sacrifice.
This in the face of concerns about administrative leadership, skepticism about the budget crisis and the future of the university.

"I call for a vote of no-confidence on [President] Rollin Richmond," she said, "and the administration of Humboldt State."
She was not alone.

Students and faculty expressed their concerns about the current state of the university, with some voicing their support for a no-confidence vote in President Rollin Richmond. Issues at the forum included dwindling morale, an uncertain direction of the university and lack of shared governance.

"The institution as a whole has lost its focus," said Eric Van Duzer, chair of the Education department. "What I'm afraid is happening is that we're losing our culture."

Faculty are split on whether to support a no-confidence vote, those opposing worried it will do more harm than good, said John Powell, president of the General Faculty.

Those who supported the vote at the forum stressed the failed leadership of Richmond, and the lack of shared governance.

"I don't feel like I have a voice in this situation," said Biology Professor Sharyn Marks, "I don't think that's acceptable."

Students and faculty want the Academic Senate to take a strong stand on these issues, whether it results in a no-confidence vote or something different.

Former Associated Students President Tony Snow said that while the campus discusses the problems, students and faculty are disappearing. He wants action.

"The more time we spend talking about something," he said, "the more casualties we have."

Environmental Resources Engineer Professor Brad Finney said faculty are also at fault for the university's problems, not just administrators. He said they need to take responsibility by participating, such as in committees.

"We are looking at the enemy," he said, "it's us."

The Senate made no formal decision about what course to take, but what's clear from the forum was a demand for action.

Associated Student President Terra Rentz said everyone needs to stop pointing fingers, step back and figure out what to do next together.

"Our community is going in a direction we don't want it to go," she said. "We need to take a positive step in the right direction."

John C. Osborn can be reached at jco11@humboldt.edu

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