Small schools let students affect decision process

At a small school like St. Bonaventure, one of the greatest benefits we have is the amount of influence we have on campus decisions. The university gives us the opportunity to decide which resources we want to help us succeed. In this case, that resource is the new dean of the school of arts and sciences.

The school of arts and sciences is in the market for a new dean and has compiled a short list of four candidates. The search committee was right to arrange a student forum for each of the candidates so the students can get to know their potential future dean.

In addition to leading the professors in the school of arts and sciences, the new dean will be a role model and professor to the students. The students will be the ones benefitting most directly from the dean, so interaction is important to find out if they will have a good rapport.

Asking someone for his or her input is a great compliment. The university has showed it respects our opinions enough to take them into consideration when they hire a new dean.