UW-Parkside became the second UW System school to declare no confidence in System President Ray Cross, following controversial comments he made in the wake of a decision to merge the state’s two-year and four-year schools.
Last month, UW-Stout Student Senate passed a vote of no confidence about Cross’s leadership, who recently came under fire for an email that denounced shared governance groups for their negative reactions to the highly controversial plan that will restructure the UW System.
“Getting hammered by the 'shared governance' leaders because they weren't involved in the process; however, had they been involved we wouldn't be doing anything!!” Cross wrote to Regent Gerald Whitburn.
The American Association of University Professors and Faculty Senate similarly condemned Cross for his comments.
UW-Parkside student government followed suit Thursday.
“The University of Wisconsin Parkside Student Government has lost all faith, confidence, and assurance that Ray Cross is able to provide the leadership needed to protect the University’s tradition of shared governance with all stakeholders within the University of Wisconsin system,” according to a UW-Parkside press release.
Nick Webber, the only student voice on the UW Colleges and Extension Restructuring Committee, has also called for Cross to apologize for his comments.
“It is my sincere hope that divisive sentiments toward the employees and students of the University of Wisconsin System will no longer be tolerated,” Webber said. “The comments made were simply inappropriate and must be addressed immediately.”
At UW-Madison, Deena Whitwam, the Associated Students of Madison’s Shared Governance chair, spoke against Cross’s beliefs.
“I was disappointed to see Ray Cross’s comments regarding shared governance, as shared governance is the decision making engine in the UW-System,” Whitwam said. “Shared governance is essential to having student voices heard on decision making committees across campus. Currently we have over 200 student appointees to 70+ committees across campus.”
Whitwam said she supported shared governance, viewing it as an opportunity for the student and administrative bodies to work together.
“I do not believe this is the most productive way to protect and empower shared governance in our state,” Whitwam said. “Instead, I think we should open lines of communication with UW-System leadership to clarify misunderstandings regarding shared governance and develop a working relationship between students and administration going forward.”
According to Katrina Morrison, ASM will not be taking up a vote of no confidence at this time.
“We remain dedicated to working with him to further the student experience through shared governance processes,” she said.
