By Jackie McGrath
Associate Professor, English, College of DuPage
Daily Herald - June 5, 2008
As a teacher at College of DuPage, I am concerned about the recent decision by the board of trustees to reassign President Sunil Chand as "president emeritus" and appoint an interim president in his place. The board did not explain its abrupt decision, and appear to have reached it in a secretive and questionable manner.
Because the COD board of trustees has ignored the questions, advice and concerns of COD faculty and students regarding this most recent action, I would like to encourage DuPage County citizens to express their concerns and ask some important questions.
Namely, ask the COD board to explain the removal of President Chand and how it represents the best interests of the school (as the board will honor his contract through 2009, this means they are effectively paying "two" presidents - one interim and one emeritus).
While you're at it, ask the COD board to explain the other recent resignations tendered by members of the board and the COD administration (including board member Mary Mack in 2008, board member Jane Herron in 2007, and Facilities Management Director Gavin Tun in 2007). Ask the COD board to explain the frequent and expensive change orders they've approved this year for several massive construction projects at the Glen Ellyn campus. Ask the COD board to explain why so many important decisions are made in secret, off the public record.
The COD board keeps making decisions that raise questions about whether they have the best interests of the college at heart. But explanations have not been forthcoming. I am increasingly worried about the impact these decisions will have on the future of College of DuPage, and I hope this pattern of secrecy and haste does not continue.
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A recent letter sent by a member of my family to State Attorney Lisa Madigan's Office regarding corruption at COD recieved this canned reply:
"Thank you for your courtsey in writing to the Office of the Attorney General. Attached are the reference materials that will either respond to your question or direct you to the appropiatie agency that has jurisdiction over this matter. I trust this information will be useful to you."
The enclosure referenced this webpage: http://www.isbe.state.il.us/divisions.htm
So, the state's attorney is either not interested or doesn't have jurisdiction over the problems at COD.
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