The 2012-2013 academic year marked the start of significant overhaul in the education system both statewide and at the University of Oregon. From tuition increases to the ongoing push for independent university boards, here’s a look back at the academic year:
Deliberation of Independent Governing Boards: This year, the Oregon University System deliberated installation of independent governing boards for the UO and Portland State University. If installed, these boards would transfer power to make decisions for the schools from the Oregon University System to boards personalized for each school.
State Bill 270, which would implement these changes, is currently undergoing deliberation in the state senate.
OUS chancellor Pernsteiner resigns: OUS chancellor George Pernsteiner announced his resignation on Jan 25. Pernsteiner, who served since 2005, caused a public outcry in 2011 when he recommended the state board fire then-UO president Richard Lariviere over a variety of issues.
Melody Rose is serving as the interim chancellor, the first woman in the position.
New president takes over: This year began with the institution of a new man in charge at the UO: President Michael Gottfredson. Over the past year, Gottfredson has made the revision of UO’s governing system a key goal of his administration. At his official investiture as president on May 30 he indicated his intent to continue the push for independent governing boards, describing them as “a tremendous opportunity” for higher education.
Tuition increases 6 percent: Tuition continued to rise this year for both in-state and out-of-state students. Statewide, the Oregon University System proposed a 4.8 percent increase in tuition for in-state students, and the University of Oregon tuition is proposed to rise 4.5 percent. Once mandatory fee increases are added to the costs, the total rise in cost of attendance at the UO will be 5.8 percent, equal to over $500 in additional costs. For out-of-state students, the increases came to 3.5 percent.
The board will make its final decision on tuition increases on June 21.
Provost Jim Bean resigns: After serving as the chief academic officer at the UO for four years, Bean announced his resignation with the intent to return to a faculty position in early February. Bean’s duties will continue through the end of this month, at which point interim provost Scott Coltrane will assume the position temporarily, until the provost search committee and President Gottfredson elect a permanent replacement.
Faculty union fights for contract: UO faculty union, United Academics was formed in the fall to negotiate with administration for the UO’s first faculty contract. It was announced in April by the Association of American Universities that UO faculty were among the lowest paid in the AAU. United Academics has been pushing for a 3.5 percent salary increase since fall.
However, UO administration was slow to make a deal with United Academics. Tensions increased between administration and United Academics when it was revealed that the university had paid more than $300,000 to Harrang Long Gary Rudnick P.C. law firm to lead the administration bargaining team in negotiations with faculty.
As of June, no contract has been decided.
While students enjoy their months in the sun, administration and public officials will continue making decisions that will shape the future of higher education. By fall term 2013, students can expect to see significant progress toward the acquisition of a new provost, the likely imposition of new fees and further state deliberation toward UO’s personal board.