University Star

University President Denise Trauth changed her Open Door sessions policy, reducing the number available per semester to one.

Thursday’s event attracted eight students who spoke to Trauth about issues ranging from greek life to athletic spending.

The Open Door sessions provide students with the opportunity to express ideas, voice concern or seek advice in a 15-minute private session with Trauth.

“It is important for me what students are concerned about,” Trauth said. “But it is also important for me to direct students to people within the university who can really address the issues they are bringing up.”

Maxfield Baker, political science senior, addressed a more controversial topic. He questioned why funds were being focused on athletics in time of a recession and touched on frustrations with Chartwells.

Murmurs of Baker’s grievances could be heard through the President’s Office door. Baker’s reluctance to give in to the 15-minute time constraints was made evident. He walked backwards out of the office blasting finishing points of the argument in the direction of where Trauth was seated.

Baker said he was unsatisfied with Trauth’s responses.

“I got what I expected, but I also got the chance to be upset right in front of her face,” Baker said.

Todd Braden, Interfraternity Council president, spoke to Trauth on behalf of the greek community.

Braden said he and four other members of greek life wanted to talk to Trauth as a group to touch on the importance of unity between chapters. He was was denied access because group discussions are no longer permitted.

Trauth said open door sessions are supposed to be only one-on-one. For the past few semesters, Trauth allowed groups of students to meet with her.

“I made the mistake of deviating away from the original method,” Trauth said. “What happens is that ends up not being productive.”

The prohibition of groups is not the only modification for Trauth’s open door. This semester only features one open door.

The open door sessions traditionally occur twice each semester. Trauth said a coffee event that was first introduced last semester, will be used to replace one open door session.

The coffee event invites randomly selected students to have coffee with Trauth, Provost Perry Moore, Dean of Students Margarita Arellano and Vice President of Student Affairs Joanne Smith.

“The coffee event I am able to interact with a diversity of students,” Trauth said. “This differs from the open door where who ever comes, comes.”

Chandler Sparks, biology junior, attended his first open door Thursday. Sparks said Trauth gave encouraging words after expressing his organization’s want to replace the star above Jackson Hall with a bigger and brighter star.