Which Way Would Be Right?: The University President Election

 

  Have you seen the banners hanging between the trees on campus? If you haven’t seen them around CNU, refer to the bottom picture. The university presidential election became a big issue at CNU after professor Go Hyun-Cheol, from Busan National University, jumped to his death on August 17th. Let’s find out more about the race.

 
 

  1. What Is the System of Direct Election of the University President?

  The professors and staff of the university  elect the president directly. Thus, it makes the university more autonomous and democratic. The advantage of this system is that the opinions of the university employees can be reflected in the management of university. It also gives university employees a feeling that they are participating in university management. However, it also has a dark side. Elections are often overheated and excessively expensive. There is a possibility of raising tuition fees because candidates can over-promise their pledges.

  2. What Is the System of Indirect Election for the University President?

  A committee for electing the university president will be composed to examine and elect the potential candidates for the position of university president. This committee will recommend two candidates to the Ministry of Education. Then, the Ministry of Education recommends one candidate’s nomination and the current President appoints the new university president. The Ministry of Education expects that this system will solve the problems caused by direct election, such as the formation of political cliques and wasting financial resources. It is expected that a competent person would be elected as university president. However, this method also has a dark side. The opinions of students are not reflected in the process election and personnel outside of university can intervene in the election.

  3.What Is the Big Issue at CNU?

  The faculty council asked faculty members their opinions about the possibility of the indirect election of the university president from September 6th to the 8th. However, university administration is currently underway to proceed with the indirect election of the university president. There was an obvious opinion gap between the university faculty and staff. A professor at CNU says, “Direct election is a positive way to elect the presidents democratically without the will of the Ministry of Education. Excessive election expenses and immoderate pledges during the election just have to be improved.” A person in university administration says, “Our university is in difficulties for its place in the index of university evaluations related to financial aid from the Ministry of Education. Besides, there are side effects of focusing on the election itself interrupting atmosphere of study and research.” Conflict between members may be a stage in order to move forward better. CP reporter hopes to find a way to reconcile this discrepancy of opinions on the method of an election.

 

 

By CP reporter

Ha Ye-Ji

 

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