CAMPUS UNION PRESIDENT’S THOUGHTS ON THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK CANDIDLY WITH SEVERAL MEMBERS OF THE BOARD—

Over the last year, as tensions have risen over changes on Wofford’s campus, many students have expressed a desire to have more connection to those making big decisions. On Feb. 9, many students got just the opportunity they had been looking for when Wofford trustees came for a day of private meetings with students on campus. The trustees who visited were invited by Will Willimon, a trustee and the chair of the committee on campus life. In the end, Willimon,

Chris Carpenter, and Leon Patterson, the chair of the strategic vision, attended the meetings. Willimon invited over 30 trustees. Campus Union president Hank Davis wishes that more board members had attended the sessions. But Davis and other students were still happy to have the opportunity to meet with trustees and talk about topics like Greek life, the Strategic Vision and dining services.

“It was extremely refreshing because it was an opportunity that was presented to us.”

Davis feels like most forums are in spired by students, but this was an exception.

“Board of trustees members set it up for us, and it was great to get that chance without having to propose it ourselves.”

As far as the overall mission of the meetings, Davis felt that the trustees’ trips were well spent.

“It could not have gone better,” Davis says. “It honestly wasn’t some PR stunt.

They legitimately wanted to hear what we wanted to say.”

One of Davis’ frustrations was that the opening of new fraternity houses will be contingent on financial donations, despite the relative lack of control that current students have over these donations.

“They said that they hear me, and they believe that we can raise the amount of money in the time allotted. I’ve looked at the numbers, and I’m worried that some students will have to go for a time without the Row.”

Davis is still worried about the project, but the overall tone of the meetings helped him feel that the trustees understood his concerns.

Davis was originally critical of the Strategic Vision. While he still has some concerns about the wording of the document, the meetings helped Davis understand where Patterson, the chair of the vision, was coming from.

Davis says, “I feel more comfortable now getting to talk to [Patterson]. He wants us to be comfortable with the vision.”

Davis feels like these sessions were a step in the right direction.

“I would love to have more open discussions with the people who are making the decisions at our school. I think students would like to have more discussions initiated by the board.”