SGA Votes No Confidence on Provost Frank, Confidence on President Hahs

Student and faculty senate planned on taking votes of confidence or no confidence of President Hahs and Provost Frank on Tuesday, Oct. 26 during activity hour.  However, student senate was the only group to come to a concensus, voting "no confidence" in Provost Frank, but "confidence" in President Hahs.  Many were surprised at this decision, because they thought that the president should have also been given a "no confidence" vote by the student senate.  

Kristina Garcia, President of the NEIU Student Government Association (SGA),  who is an ex-officio officer, meaning she does not vote, said she was, "impressed with the way the student government senate was able to effectively discuss the confidence votes [of President Hahs and Provost Frank] and base its decision on evidence and sound understanding of these administrative positions."  Garcia also said she stands behind the decision of the Senate and looks, "forward to learning what the decision of the faculty senate is and what it will mean for the university."

Erik Robles, Vice President of SGA an ex-officio who may vote in case of a tie, also agreed with Garcia and added that he believes, "The vote of ‘no confidence' in the Provost has to do with his actions as acting Vice President of Student Life, a position that creates a conflict of interest with his official title of Academic Provost, because one takes away from the other since they're competing against each other."  Robles said that, "They do work together though, but they are ultimately competing interests. I think the vote against the Provost was made in consideration of a consistent lack of transparency."

According to the e-mail SGA President Garcia sent out, the vote for President Hahs was ten (yes) two (no) and one abstention, passing with a vote of confidence, however when it came to Provost Frank the vote was pretty much the opposite with one (yes) 11 (no) and one abstention, which was a failing vote that indicated no confidence.  

Senator Michelle Cardiel, said that she voted no confidence in the President and Provost Frank because she felt that, "The provost has been given opportunities to act in the best interest of the student body. For example, the activity hour change and academic concerns with faculty, such as lack of on-line classes and lack of support in their research opportunities and creation of new courses," and added that, "In conjunction with Provost Frank's lack of concern for students, Dr. Hahs has also heard these issues and has not reacted to the needs of the students as well."

On the other hand Vivian Shelton, SGA Treasurer, voted confidence in President Hahs and no confidence in Provost Frank because, "When all is said and done, I believe she attempts to represent both parties and be transparent.  Decisions made by Provost Frank have interfered and disrupted student life, for example, the activity hour change was implemented despite SGA recommendations and votes."

As far as the Faculty Senate votes go, they were planned to vote on Oct. 26 during activity hour, as well. Dr. Potee, one of the several faculty members who spoke, said, "As a matter of fact many of my colleagues feel hopeless, helpless.  Great service matters…we were heard but not listened to."  Another faculty member, Professor Brett Stockdill, also had much to say and added, "We love NEIU. We have confidence in our students, our colleagues and ourselves. We have lost our confidence in the President and the Provost who have shredded shared governances to pieces."

However, after several statements as to why the faculty senate should vote "no confidence" and a long discussion they decided to postpone the vote until the next Faculty Senate meeting on Nov. 9., where, at the suggestion of Dr. Akbari, President Hahs may have a chance to be "formally invited" to the meeting and defend herself.