University of Virginia Library

President Shannon's Remarks

Perhaps President Shannon's intense remarks
are a good example of what we mean.
Conversation just prior to his outburst had been
driving toward a real gut issue: what did each
faction - students vs. Administration - really
expect from each other? Did each think the other
a bitter enemy? Did each believe the other to be
acting in bad faith with sinister motivations? Does
one group want to hold back the University and
force the other to destroy it?

The President's remarks reminded us of a father
addressing his children or a 19th century
plantation owner assuring his slaves that he was
doing everything he could for them and that things
weren't really so bad anyway. Herein lies the
problem. The very structure of the University
compels administrators to talk to students and
other constituencies in a paternalistic fashion.

The president is charged by the Board of
Visitors with the responsibility for the administration
of the University. He may delegate duties to
subordinates but in the end he is responsible. His
responsibilities fall into three basic areas:

1) Policy making - in which he defines the
mission of the University, formulates educational
and administration policies, interprets the policies
to the members of the University community and
citizens of Virginia.

2) Executive responsibilities - in which he
executes all laws relating to the University, all
resolutions and rules of the Board of Visitors; all
duties assigned him by the Board of Visitors;
makes recommendations to the Board of Visitors;
General Assembly, and the Governor; prepares an
annual report and other special reports for the
Board of Visitors.

3) Administrative Responsibilities - in which
he retains control of the budget, carries out
policies of the University, insures the University is
properly staffed with competent personnel,
establishes and maintains lines of communication.
The president is a member of all faculties. He is
subject to direction and control of the Board of
Visitors. Reporting to the president are various
staff officers such as the Provost and Comptroller,
and administrative officers such as the deans of the
schools of the University.

This is in no way comprehensive outline of the
duties of the President. But it demonstrates why
the President and administration below him feel
they must develop and maintain an autocratic
attitude towards the running of the University.

It is precisely this attitude and approach that
students do not want during their stay at the
University. They want a voice and a share of
control in determining policies which will directly
affect their educational experience here. And, we
expect, the faculty does not welcome this attitude
from the administration either.

An illustration of this was seen in the unofficial
meeting held by Student Council last week. Many
members were disturbed that they had been
invited as hand-picked guests. They were considered
by the President to be a broad representation
of student opinion. The point was made,
however, that the students themselves might be
better judges of who represented their opinions
and that they should have at least been consulted
when the guest list was drawn up.