Although his official installation is not until today, William R. “Randy” Woodson has been at work for the past several months as chancellor of the University. Technician’s Zachary Diezel spent an afternoon with the chancellor Oct. 19 to learn more about what a chancellor does and what a typical day is like.

The chancellor’s schedule can vary greatly, depending on special events or travel. Mornings consist of briefings and reports from members of the executive staff. Other possible events include meetings or attending functions such as a faculty breakfast.

That day, a small group of students met with the chancellor in his office for lunch at noon.

“There is something special about having a small group of students in my office [for lunch,]” Woodson said. According to Woodson, these lunches give him an opportunity to hear directly from students.

Topics ranged from the students’ personal histories and thoughts on campus to what improvements should be made to the University.

“I liked to have the opportunity to talk to someone who is really in the highest position at the University,” Brandon Long, a senior in computer engineering, said. “Just to get his thoughts on things and how things are changing, what struggles there are and what we can do to help out as well.”

Krystal Smith, a sophomore in psychology, said the chancellor exceeded her expectations.

“It was really wonderful to be able to just really put a face to the name of the chancellor… and to see that he really is interested in the students and what we have to say and what we’re about,” said Smith. “He was more laid back than I imagined, and was just easy to talk to and more open and communicative than I expected.”

According to Stephanie Parker, assistant to the chancellor for communications, the student response to the chancellor’s lunches has been very strong. The website link used to sign up had to be taken down, but will be replaced early this coming spring semester for new sign-ups.

After lunch, Woodson had a private meeting and then attended the monthly meeting of the Faculty Senate. The main topic of his remarks was the financial future of the University.

The University is facing cuts in the amount it receives from the state government and is consequently looking for ways to increase revenue. Chief among the fundraising goals is the chancellor’s “silent campaign,” which is under way in the form of private, one-on-one meetings between the chancellor and potential donors. The University will launch a formal campaign tentatively in the 2010 timeframe with a target of $1.5 billion.

“We are one of the most affordable institutions in higher education,” Woodson said. “The big problem in higher education is that costs have increased faster than inflation.”

After his remarks, Woodson took some questions from the faculty. Professors and lecturers were just as concerned as students over the current budget situation, which he said required a tuition increase of $900 for the academic year.

After the Faculty Senate meeting in D.H. Hill Library, the chancellor walked to Witherspoon Student Center for an interview with Technician’s editor-in-chief, Amanda Wilkins.

According to Woodson, walking is his preferred mode of campus transportation. He said it is a good thing for the chancellor to be “on the ground.” Woodson is new to campus and still getting acquainted with the layout — something any freshman can relate to.

When passing through the Free Expression Tunnel, Woodson stopped to look at the mural dedicated to Marvin Malecha, the dean of the College of Design.

“It’s a great tribute to the dean,” said Woodson. “No one has ever painted a mural of me before.”

Woodson then arrived at Witherspoon for the interview, which aired Monday on 88.1 FM WKNC.

The chancellor’s evening was spent entertaining guests at his residence. The chancellor’s typical evening involves meetings, entertaining guests at the residence, or a combination of the two.

“He is a very active chancellor,” Parker said.