EDITORIAL: Some timely consideratins

The Biddison-HierThe Biddison-Hierteam shou;d move upThe Biddison-Hierteam shou;d move upits final report releaseThe Biddison-Hierteam shou;d move upits final report releasesate, to allow moreThe Biddison-Hierteam shou;d move upits final report releasesate, to allow moretime for feedback. Depending on who you ask, a study like the one Biddison and Hier are conducting only occurs every 20 to 50 years. So it's particularly distressing to note that the consultants don't plan to release their official recommendations until April -- when students are preoccupied with final exams and leaving for summer jobs. The University has a history of pushing report release dates off until the last second, hoping that departing students won't have time or energy to scrutinize controversial or questionable findings. By the time students return in the fall, it's too late -- the new system, building or office that had been in discussion has either been adopted or shelved, with little or no community input. Some of Biddison and Hier's preliminary findings may be released through the Office of the Vice Provost for University Life in January, and that's very important. But it doesn't change the target date for their final report, which could be too late for students, faculty and staff to gain full understanding of the scope their recommendations. When one report has the potential to change the physical layout and appearance of campus -- not just the way the University pays bills (FinMIS, implemented on recommendations from a consulting firm) or the system of contracts through which it provides student services (outsourcing, also recommended by consultants) -- it's essential that the people whose space will be affected by the changes have the chance to fully consider them, and if necessary, formally appeal them. Biddison and Hier should do everything possible to produce their official report by the time students return from spring break in mid-March. Even if this earlier release date means a less polished or conclusive set of recommendations, input from students, faculty and staff will help round out the ideas they do generate.