Elections are here: Here’s what students need to hear
April 8, 2015
After months of campaigning, forums, and controversy, District 502 residents had an opportunity to elect three members to the College of DuPage Board of Trustees.
Whether or not you voted, here are three reasons why yesterday’s elections will make an impact on students at College of DuPage.
- COD has been under heavy scrutiny
The Board of Trustees’ recent decisions, including the approval of a $763,000 severance package to COD President Robert Breuder, has come under heavy public scrutiny. State legislation has been filed to look into the board’s use of the college’s finances. Board meetings have also been moved to the Student Services Center atrium just to host the dozens of people who want to speak out about the board. And Chicago area newspapers have published several reports on questionable dealings at the community college.
- The election could change the direction of the board
On votes involving finances and the fate of college administration, the board usually votes 6-1, with Vice Chairwoman Kathy Hamilton typically being the lone “no” vote. With the potential of having three new board members, the college could see decisions in opposition of the incumbent board and a change in how COD is run.
- The new board has some big decisions ahead
The board is already in charge of key factors at the college like spending and implementing tuition rates. This new board will also have one added responsibility: the choosing of a new president in the midst of public scrutiny. With President Breuder’s retirement in 2016, the board will be tasked with finding his successor after his highly criticized tenure.
The new board will also decide in 2016 whether tuition is increased or decreased from its current $140 per credit hour for in-district residents and $327 per credit hour for out-of-district residents.
The college is in a period where it is seeing enrollment growth, as well as increased attention to community colleges on the national stage. Breuder has stated that he plans to continue to expand the college and pursue to college potentially offering more four-year degrees. All of this will be decisions the board has say on.
