Chancellor announces office hours

IU students, student groups and faculty who have complaints about any issues facing the campus now have a new and influential outlet to voice their opinions. Chancellor Sharon Brehm announced Tuesday she will be holding open office hours for the remainder of the academic year.\n"I look forward to these conversations," Brehm said in a statement. "It's all too easy to get caught up in the daily routine. Having the open hours available should help me keep in touch with matters of interest to the campus community."\nThe first of the monthly office hours will be held Nov. 20 from 3 to 5 p.m. The time will be set aside for students to bring in complaints, concerns or other items concerning the University.\n"The hours are scheduled once a month throughout the school year," said Perry Metz, associate vice president. "She thought it was a way to keep in closer touch to campus issues and what concerns people have."\nThe appointments will typically be limited to 30 minutes. \n"Students should make appointments as far in advance as possible," said Thea Brown, executive director to the chancellor. "But if they don't make an appointment a month in advance, that shouldn't stop them from trying to come in. They should always call because there's usually a last minute opening, and we can try to work them in."\nMetz said she doesn't think Brehm is expecting office hours to be focused on the upcoming departure of IU president Myles Brand, but believed she was keeping an open mind and looking forward to discussing whatever was on a student's minds. Metz said it is important for students to come out and voice their opinions.\n"I think (this is) a matter of access, that if any student or faculty or staff member felt that he or she would like to carry a message to the chancellor, this a way to do it face to face," Metz said.