Although Board of Regents Chancellor Roderick Groves claims he makes every effort to communicate governance policies with Regency faculty and staff, those at NIU feel differently—and for good reason.

Groves said in a letter written to The Northern Star, “Throughout my professional career, I have been a supporter of faculty, staff and student involvement in governance.”

When listening to the concerns raised at a meeting of NIU’s University Council, which is composed primarily of faculty and staff members, they seem to feel quite differently.

Groves released his now-infamous proposal during the summer months when there was not a sufficient number of faculty, staff or students to respond adequately to the proposed changes.

If Groves really believes he is communicating well with these groups, he should re-evaluate his tactics because that is not how Groves appears to just about anyone on the NIU and Illinois State University campuses.

University Council member James Giles said, “I have not yet heard from Groves or anyone why they want these things or why it has to happen so fast.”

If Groves thinks faculty members feel he is doing his best to communicate in determining the need for his proposed Board restructuring, he is sadly mistaken.

The UC requested the Board delay its actions on Groves’ proposal for at least 30 days. If Groves really wants to communicate with the three universities in the Regency system, he will honor the UC’s request and listen to what the faculty members are saying.