The Presidential Search Advisory Committee has provided students with several opportunities to participate in the on-campus interview process, including two open question-and-answer sessions and a confidential survey for students to provide feedback on the candidates.

The Students’ Association allowed students who were unable to attend the open sessions to text questions for the candidates to Luke Cochran, SA executive secretary. About 10 students participated, Cochran said, and several more were in attendance at the morning session Wednesday.

“I was actually surprised; there were quite a few students there,” said Cochran, senior finance major from Round Rock. About one-third of those in attendance were students, he said.

However, he said he thought still more should have been involved.

“I think there are so many things on campus that students will later be upset or complain about,” Cochran said, “but when they have opportunities to do something about it, they’re sort of apathetic.”

Other students in attendance echoed his concern. Jared Perkins, sophomore environmental science major from Waco, said he felt incredibly underrepresented at the afternoon session Tuesday.

“The candidates should remember the university exists for the students,” Perkins said. “It’s difficult for them to recognize that, however, when the only session for students had very few students in it.”

Despite his disappointment, Perkins said he was glad he went, and he encouraged other students to take part.

“I think there is a difference in how students hear about a candidate from their friends and actually seeing them speak in person,” he said. “My perception of him (Lytle) changed after the presentation. I wish I’d been able to go to the other one because I think it made a difference.”

For those students who still feel unheard, SA is serving as a representative for the student body. Cochran said he has spoken with many students to learn what they’re looking for in the next president and convey that to the candidates.

“Everyone sees how personable Dr. Money is,” he said. “I think that’s something students are hoping for.”

The executive cabinet had a chance to meet with each candidate for a casual dinner interview this week – Lytle on Tuesday evening and Schubert on Thursday evening.

Cochran said it was a good opportunity to hear the candidates’ perspective on issues that are important to students, such as Chapel or hiring strictly Church of Christ-affiliated faculty.

“We were able to ask some pretty pointed questions during that time,” Cochran said.

Most students who have participated in the interview process said it is apparent the Board of Trustees cares about student feedback.

“Students are given twice the amount of time as anyone else, any other group on the schedule. That really shows their commitment to students,” Cochran said. “Students should let their voice be heard.”

The final open session ended before Chapel on Friday, but students still have an opportunity to complete the confidential surveys. The deadline to complete the survey for Lytle is Friday, and the survey on Schubert will be sent Friday.