SRU’s council of trustees seeks to fill student member vacancy
Slippery Rock University trustees Robert Taylor and Monica Traggiai share a smile during a recent quarterly meeting. Traggiai’s pending graduation from SRU has the University on the lookout for a new student trustee.
Sept. 15, 2017
SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. - When Monica Traggiai graduates from Slippery Rock University, she'll leave behind more than just fond memories of her four years at The Rock. She'll also be leaving an empty seat on the University's council of trustees.
With the vacancy, and Traggiai's pending departure, in mind, applications are now being accepted for the role of student trustee.
Traggiai will chair the search committee to find her replacement. The seven-member committee will also include: William McCarrier, current chair of the council; a representative from Slippery Rock Student Government Association; a University administrator; and union representatives from the faculty and non-instructional and professional staffs.
According to Traggiai, the committee will be looking for candidates who not only take an active role in leadership on campus, but who are curious and attentive to the needs of the University. From her experience as the student trustee, and by representing the students, Traggiai said it changed her outlook as a college student.
"It's not just a voice for your opinion, but a voice for something that's bigger than yourself, to help a whole campus community," said Traggiai, a senior dual major in elementary education/early childhood and dance from Sarver.
"It really made me aware of the life around me and how I'm not just a college student," Traggiai said. "While I had to take time to visit other organizations and groups on campus, I had the honor of advocating for those who needed a voice the most."
Among Traggiai's various campus leadership roles, she is the student director of the Rock Dance Company, House Council secretary and a member of the Department of Dance Student Dance Advisory Board.
While students who are interested in becoming a student trustee are often political science majors, any student who is involved in the life of the campus and has an interest in the governance process is encouraged to apply.
Applicants must be enrolled as a full-time student at the sophomore level or above. The search committee will conduct two rounds of interviews before recommending a candidate to the president. If approved by the president, the candidate's name is then forwarded to the chancellor and then finally to the governor for approval.
Once appointed, a student trustee in good standing serves until he or she graduates. The student trustee's voting privileges are the same as the other 10 members of the council.
"It would be easy to feel like you are undervalued or have less knowledge compared to the rest of the group," Traggiai said. "(But) they are very welcoming and they love to hear the student perspective. Having the opportunity to serve as a trustee was a truly positive experience, one that I wouldn't trade for the world."
Interested individuals should submit a completed application with three letters of recommendation by 4:30 p.m., Oct. 30, to: Slippery Rock University, c/o Chief of Staff, President's Office, 300 Old Main.
Traggiai will present more information about the role of the student trustee and the application process at two informational meetings at 12:30 p.m., Oct. 3 and at 11:30 a.m., Oct. 6 in the Smith Student Center Commuter Lounge.
The 11-member council of trustees governs SRU with members nominated and appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the state senate. Trustees serve a term of six years, and until their successors are appointed and qualified. At least two members of the group are alumni of the institution and one member is a full-time undergraduate student. The council meets on a quarterly basis at the University or from time to time as may be called upon by the president, chairperson, or upon request of three of its members.
MEDIA CONTACT: Justin Zackal | 724.738.4854 | justin.zackal@sru.edu