Wednesday, the chancellor search committee will host a series of forums in Stewart Theatre from 12:30 to 5:00 p.m. to allow students, faculty and staff to let the committee know what they want in their next chancellor.

“The fundamental question is what you the want the chancellor’s focus to be,” Student Body President Jim Ceresnak  said. “We want to know how people feel from the gut, from the heart, and what people want to see in a new chancellor.” Ceresnak said different directions for the focus of the new chancellor’s term include more sustainable initiatives within the University, more concentration on academics and research, deeper support for athletic programs or more student focus.

Details on the event and the progress of the chancellor search are posted on the University’s Web site. Student Government is distributing fliers to encourage students to attend. SG also advertised the event around campus in addition to posting an event on Facebook; however, many students remain unaware.

Annika Vest, a freshman in women’s and gender studies, said she had not heard any news of the upcoming forum. She doubted she would attend because she did not fully understand the issue. “I don’t know what would make a good chancellor,” Vest said.

Other students were equally uncertain about their ability to attend in the midst of their busy schedules.

“I probably won’t go because I work so much,” said freshman Alexa Sawyer.

Zach Kezios, a senior in zoology, also said he would be too busy to attend. “I’m in biochemistry! I don’t have time to go.” Kezios added, “I have no idea what I’d say. I’ve only got two years left. If our chancellor’s not what I’m looking for, I can put up with him.”

Students realize the search committee is making efforts to listen to them.

“It’s important to let students feel like they’re important and put in their say,” said Sawyer.

However, the lack of publicity concerns some.

“I’m a student, and I was never notified,” said Kezios. “How much do they care?”

In the same way, students feel ignorant of the actual duties of a chancellor and how his role will affect them, leaving many unsure of what they could offer the search committee.

“What does he do for me?” said Vest.

The search committee wants students to know how greatly involved the chancellor is.

“The chancellor has such an incredibly wide scope of duties,” said Ceresnak. “Everything from managing day-to-day operations of the University, student affairs and classroom environment, to fundraising, to being the face of the University, to being sure we get as much support financially as possible, to being a visionary leader. It’s an incredibly intense responsibility.”

Student Senate President Kelli Rogers knows how a chancellor’s focus has the power to make or break certain issues.

“If the chancellor isn’t advocating a new Talley Student Center, it wouldn’t happen,” she said.

Another concern on students’ minds is the forum’s usefulness. While the committee is making efforts to hear from all groups, there are doubts about what the committee will do with this information.

“I think [forums] are important,” Vest said, “but I don’t know how effective they are. I don’t know if they’re as effective as they mean.”

As only one of two students on the search committee, and the only undergraduate, Ceresnak emphasizes the importance of additional student voices.

“The committee is so open and ready to get to work on this. Bring your voice, and bring your concerns, because they will be heard,” he said.