The Daily Campus

Issue date: 9/26/08 Section: Commentary

Media Credit: Ryan Sayers University President Michael Hogan

Exposure: B+

President Hogan has made a strong effort to reach out to the student body. On Spring Weekend, he walked around encouraging students to behave responsibly. At football games he is greeted like a celebrity, with students often chanting his name and asking for photos. However, he doesn't always make time for the media or important contacts who are not affiliated with the university.


Fundraising: B+

This year President Hogan exceeded his goal of raising $55 million in new gifts and commitments for the university, resulting in the second best performance in the university's history. Although Hogan has not yet achieved the rigorous schedule of some other large university presidents, some of whom host more than 100 events annually, his fundraising performance has been impressive thus far.


Approachability: A

"Mike," as Hogan allows students to call him, is definitely a far cry from past presidents who liked to stay in their offices. Hogan walks around campus regularly, waving to students and often greeting them warmly. He seems to enjoy students' coming up and introducing themselves and generally makes time for small talk. It seems like he really connects with students and makes a discernible effort to reach us on our level.


Political Advocacy: B-

When Gov. M. Jodi Rell discussed cutting UConn's funding by three percent, Hogan went up to Hartford and testified about the difficulties such a cut would create for students, faculty and administrators. Apart from showing up though, the President did not make quite the fuss we would have liked to see. That being said, Hogan has made an effort to be seen and make contacts over in Hartford - taking nearly 50 meetings with Connecticut legislators thus far.


Environment: A-

Since last year UConn has become decidedly more green. From wooden nickels instead of bags in the Co-op to no more disposable cups in the dining halls, an effort has definitely been made to save the environment. Our only complaint is the "trayless dining" experiment - which turned out to be neither truly trayless nor effective. All-in-all though, Hogan has worked hard to make UConn a more eco-friendly campus.

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