President Ed Seidel presented the State of the University to an audience of administration, faculty, staff, and students yesterday, with the Presidents of ASUW, Staff and Faculty Senates speaking.
ASUW President Allison Brown spoke of the 110th administration working on continued restructuring, ensuring that student voices were heard regarding parking and rising student tuition and fees, and to ensure that all students should be helped.
“The University of Wyoming can be an excellent research institution and support all students.” Brown closed with.
“The retention rate of the university was not good,” Staff Senate President Tim Nichols said, saying that all staff need “equal respect, fair compensation, and ability to advance and grow in this institution.”
“Optimism has long been absent among our staff, it seems there is a level of awareness in these issues by all members of the current administration. I confidently assure you, the shoring of the foundation is well underway.” Nichols said in the closing of his address.
Faculty Senate President Renee Laegreid told the university that the faculty had concerns and hopes for the new year. “A new year means new opportunities.” Laegreid said.
Laegreid further addressed faculty concerns with parking, salary increases, and hiring and retaining faculty members. “We look forward to a productive year as the Senate continues its work to promote the success of faculty, students, and staff across the University of Wyoming.” Laegreid said.
After an introduction by Vice President of Student Affairs Chestnut, President Seidel gave his State of the University address, looking forward to the third year of his time in the Presidency and looking forward to accomplishing a lot.
“A second chance to make a first impression,” Seidel said, “We really, really have a lot to do.” Seidel further laid out his administration’s agenda with his top priority being, “People and programs.”
President Seidel assured the faculty, staff, and students that he hears the concerns and frustrations of the stakeholders at the university. “We are really hearing you. We have a lot to do to shore up the foundations of the university,” Seidel said, “from the ground up.”
Seidel further addressed the past and current plans and priorities of the administration from the School of Computing, working on more salary increases for faculty and staff, and working to ensure that the university retains student enrollment and looks forward to increasing enrollment.
“I assure you, we are listening to you. And we’re excited about where we’re going. I think we’re gonna really need your help. All hands on deck going forward.” Seidel said.
