The search for NIU’s new provost has been in the works for over seven months, since current provost Ivan Legg announced his retirement on Sept. 23, 2005.

Now that the search has been narrowed down to three finalists, NIU will soon have a new face added to its administration. However, few students really understand what the position of executive vice president and provost really entails.

The provost is a high-ranking position at NIU. Former provost Ivan Legg’s executive salary in Fiscal Year 2005 was $214,344. The new provost will most likely receive a similar, if not greater, salary.

The provost works closely with the Division of Academic and Student Affairs, a department that has a large impact on students. On www.niu.edu/provostsearch, NIU’s provost search Web site, President John Peters described the provost as NIU’s chief academic and student affairs officer.

A large amount of finances on campus are overseen by the provost. He or she works with the budget for the Division of Academic and Student Affairs, which oversees Student Life programs such as Housing and Dining and Parking Services. The provost also works with deans and other administrators to establish the annual budget and approves major budget allocations.

The provost has active involvement with the Board of Trustees’ Academic Affairs, Student Affairs and Personnel Committee and serves as a member of the President’s Cabinet.

With a position of this magnitude opening up, students should take a more active role in the selection of the new provost. It is imperative the new provost take note of the 25,000 students on this campus and make decisions that are actually in the best interests of the students. The best way to make that happen is to have a solid understanding of the provost position and make the student voice heard.