One of the provost candidates pitched his vision to a faculty-packed auditorium Tuesday.

The provost is considered to be the chief academic officer of the University.  According to the job description, the provost oversees “the policies and priorities that create and sustain educational excellence across the University’s broad spectrum of academic and student affairs.” 

Robert McGrath touched on the importance of increasing the University’s national rating.

While he was at Ohio State, the administration required all freshman to attend a freshman seminar.  These seminars could not have more than 20 people in a class. This dramatically de-creased the faculty to student ratio, which improved the university’s national ratings. 

As for the graduation rate, McGrath said he wants 50 percent of students to graduate in 4 years, 75 percent in 5 years and 80 percent in 6 years.  As a part of this, McGrath discussed decreasing the minimum number of hours required for graduation.

McGrath said he supports sustainability efforts.

“I just spent the better half of the last few years doing national renewable energy research,” McGrath said.

McGrath said he thinks he could increase national recognition of the University.

“I really enjoy being on campus and the faculty diversity,” McGrath said. “Student involvement certainly keeps us on our toes.  I think I can contribute to this University to increase its national recognition.”

Jacob Rutz, a freshman in plant and soil science, was the only student to attend the open forum.

“I wanted to hear what kinds of questions were asked, and to see what kind of new roles he will take on,” McGrath said. 

Rutz said he hopes that McGrath, if hired, would stick to the strategic plan, and be committed to students.

“Being committed to students’ well-being is important,” Rutz said.