FOR ACCOUNTABILITY TO PUBLIC, REGENTS NEED STRONGER VOICE

The Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents recently raised tuition and room and board fees substantially. And it did so with virtually no comment on the part of its members.

Unfortunately, that has been a standard practice at regents meetings for many years now.

In theory, the regents operate like a board of directors, approving major purchases, academic plans and campus projects.

But in practice, the regents have become virtually a rubber stamp of the university administrations, seldom doing more than asking a question or two and giving their blessings to whatever recommendations are put forth by university administrators.

This is not meant as a criticism of the regents as individuals. They are fine, upstanding citizens who are clearly interested in education and Southeast Missouri State, in particular.

But rubber-stamping administrative decisions with little discussion on the part of regents doesn't serve the public well.

As a state, tax-supported institution and as a major entity in the community, Southeast needs to be accountable to the public in regards to its activities and operations.

Increasingly, in these times of limited state funding in Missouri, taxpayers and the legislature want to see more accountability on the part of public colleges and universities.

The regents could help further that goal by actively discussing important agenda items and expressing their views rather than quietly acquiescing to administrators' recommendations.

In the 1980s, the Board of Regents met almost monthly. Under President Kala Stroup, regular meetings are held quarterly.

Years ago, regents wielded real power. When civic leader Louis Houck was president of the board in the early 1900s, the regents were active in all facets of the college operation.

A railroad builder, lawyer, historian and author, Houck served on the university's Board of Regents for 39 years.

Back then, board meetings were not the public affair they are now. There was no open meetings law.

But minutes of the meetings show that the regents in those days didn't back away from a robust discussion of the issues.

In fact, many times the board was divided on various issues.

Of course, over the years the state and federal governments have imposed an ever-increasing number of regulations relating to educational institutions.

This, to some extent, has diluted the power of the regents.

But regents clearly have a responsibility to openly discuss the issues facing Southeast Missouri State, such as student fees.

Such public discussion won't necessarily result in different decisions than those that are reached without it.

But such discussion and debate would certainly allow the public, including students, to better understand the reasoning on which decisions are based.

A regent's job is not just to listen to what administrators say at regents meetings, but also to offer suggestions, views and comments in a public setting.

A silent board is little better than no board at all.