Student trustee finalists sent to governor

Ten candidates' names for the student trustee position were sent to Indiana Governor Frank O'Bannon last week. Finalists were nominated from a pool of 31 applicants by a 13-member committee from six of IU's eight campuses.\nThrough the course of the 2002-2003 school year, the members met to review and evaluate each application. After 19 semifinalists were interviewed, the list narrowed to 10 finalists.\nThe Student Trustee Search and Screen Committee directs the application process for the position. Students do not have to be permanent Indiana residents, and IU students on all campuses are eligible for consideration. \nThere are a few tasks the student trustee is required to accomplish over the course of his or her term. He or she must attend various University functions and ceremonies, complete assigned projects and attend nine board meetings a year. The only difference between the student trustee and all other trustees is he or she serves two years, while other trustees serve a three-year term.\nThe student trustee also has the responsibility of setting policy governance. \n"Trustees are responsible for the governance of the institution and the future of the institution," said Robin Gress, secretary of the board. \nThe final step in the process is administered by the governor, who will utilize the criteria created by the Search and Screen Committee in making his final decision.\nThere are various reasons why each individual candidate applied for the position. However, they most commonly share the wish to be an active voice in shaping and developing the policies that govern the University. \n"I have been involved with Indiana University as an undergrad, an alumnus, and now a graduate student," said law student Matthew Lesher. "I am looking to play a more active part in the continued development of the University."\nIf elected, sophomore Scott Shackelford said he plans to develop a number of open forums for student representatives, along with independents, to express their feelings on important issues to the University. \nSenior Kieran Lee Farr said he believes it is the student trustee's role is to uphold students' rights, needs and responsibilities with respect to the University's educational mission.\n"Overall, I seek to make our campuses better places to learn, work, and live, helping us to reach our University's academic goals," he said.\nApplying for this position may also illuminate the candidates' deeper interests. Originally from Bloomington, Allison Fetter-Harrott ventured to New York City where she received her undergraduate degree and taught in a public high school for one year. She later returned to IU to attend law school.\n"I see the trustee position as a really good combination of my interests and experiences, education and public service," she said. \nThe projected date for the appointed student to take office begins July 1.