TIME FOR STUDY

Southeast Missouri State University's Board of Regents tabled a proposed master plan at its recent meeting. If enacted, the plan would dramatically change the landscape of the university campus over the next two decades.

The plan is a complex matter that deserves in-depth discussion by the board. Regents were right to delay action until they had time to fully comprehend and study the proposal. In fact, the regents might consider a system similar to the one that the Cape Girardeau City Council utilizes. The council discusses matters at one meeting, but doesn't provide final approval until the following meeting. This delay also provides time for public input as well. It works well for complicated issues.

Currently, the regents receive packets of information a few days before each meeting. Several regents voiced concern that the timing was insufficient to study complicated issues. They are right. Several board members suggested a work session to review the plan and consider possible changes.

That isn't to say the master plan doesn't have merit. It is based on reaching the enrollment goal of 10,000 students. If such growth occurs, the university will have to react with some campus changes. Architects of this blueprint for change say the plan would make the campus more user friendly.

Administrators maintain that the master plan is simply an overall concept with plenty of time and opportunity to make changes along the way as regents vote on each individual part of the plan. But several regents didn't want to approve an unclear plan because, once approved, it is hard to retreat.

Such discussions prove that this board doesn't want to be a rubber stamp for the administration. Board members are fulfilling their roles as watchdogs for taxpayers and students in Southeast Missouri.