Members of the student government at the University of Michigan-Flint are participating in the interview process for candidates for the next dean of the College of Health and Sciences.
University administration invited members of the student government to participate in lunch interviews with potential candidates. During these sessions, student representatives have the opportunity to meet candidates and offer input based on student interests and concerns.
“Student government really advocates for our students,” Samantha Jarbou, the current president of student government at UM-Flint, said. “Students come to me with issues, and if I can’t fix it, I can give them a course of action or connect them with someone who can help,” Kayden Strokes, a senator of Student Government at UM-Flint, said.
Jarbou said the invitation reflects the university’s effort to include student perspectives during the selection process.“It’s a way for student government members to be involved and have their voices heard in the process of choosing this dean,” Jarbou said.
Student government members say their roles focus on connecting students with resources and representing their concerns. “It feels really good. It’s nice knowing that students can count on me for things, and that they come with certain issues,” Strokes said.
“We’re students ourselves, but we’re here to advocate for students and hear their needs,” Jarbou Said. “Then we communicate what students want to see in the new dean.”
Although the student government contributes feedback during the interview process, the final hiring decision is made by the provost or the chancellor.
The position is currently held by Shan Parker, interim dean for the College of Health and Sciences. Jarbou said the search process may continue over the coming months as the university evaluates candidates.
“I would expect the interim dean to continue through the process and a new dean to possibly be hired sometime in the summer, “ Jarbou said.
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