The chancellor search is nearing completion. The finalists have been chosen and Thursday at 10:45 a.m. in Student Center Ballroom A is the first chance for students to have a voice about what qualities the new chancellor should possess.

Today marks the beginning of visits to SIUC by each of the four finalists. The first candidate to visit campus will be University of Maryland Baltimore County Provost Jo Ann E. Argersinger. Her visit will include public forums with students, faculty, administrators, and civil service employees.

The importance of the duties of chancellor does not need debate. The chancellor’s influence stretches to all aspects of the University and surrounding community. Therefore the evaluation and choosing of a new chancellor is important and should be followed closely by all those involved with SIUC, especially students.

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Steve Scheiner, the head of the search committee, urged mass attendance at these public forums so students and faculty can observe the process and voice their concerns and questions to the candidates.

The request by Scheiner should be taken seriously. The search committee serves only as an advisory board, leaving the ultimate decision to SIU President Ted Sanders. The information that is collected at these forums will be passed along to Sanders, which is why attendance is imperative so that all concerns may be addressed. No concern is too small.

All the information gathered will be available to all committee members. No request will be ignored, but the main purpose of these submissions will not be to create a debate on issues but for a public opinion to be developed about the candidates.

Since Beggs began his interim chancellor position nearly two years ago, he has done much to increase positive relations with the students. He went out and talked to students, attempting to answer their questions and concerns. He even met with students in the residence halls.

The commitment that he made should not be taken for granted, which is why the students need to become involved in the selection of the next chancellor.

If student apathy prevails during the selection of the next chancellor, Beggs’ commitment may have been for nothing. If students want to continue to have a chancellor with student-friendly characteristics, then they should attend the forums and decide which candidate is best.

Attending these open forums allows students to see first-hand what is being said and what direction the new chancellor will go. If disagreement exists, now is the time to addresses it. If students do not take part in these proceedings, the fate of the University lies on their apathy, not on the chancellor that ends up being chosen.

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If few turn out to these forums, few should complain once a chancellor is selected.