Gallaudet's Interim President Offers Plan

From: WJLA - Washington,DC,USA - Feb 26, 2007

The interim president of Gallaudet University says he's committed to high standards and he's working on several proposals to strengthen programs at the school.

Appearing on WAMU Radio, Robert Davila says he wants to improve recruiting, enrollment and retention at the school. He also is working on a shared governance plan to involve more students and staff in university decisions.

Gallaudet is the nation's only liberal arts college for the deaf and hard of hearing.

Earlier this year, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education said it was delaying a decision on whether to renew the school's accreditation. Concerns raised during the protests over the appointment of former provost Jane Fernandes as president a 2005 federal report that rated Gallaudet "ineffective" prompted the accrediting body to request more information from the school.

Davila says Middle States has given Gallaudet until April 16th to provide revised documentation. He says extension of a March first deadline is an indication that officials at Middle States believe improvements are taking place.

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