Public radio from Western Michigan University 102.1 NPR News | 89.9 Classical WMUK
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Interviews with news makers and discussion of topics important to Southwest Michigan. Subscribe to the podcast through Apple itunes and Google. Segments of interview are heard in WestSouthwest Brief during Morning Edition and All Things Considered

WSW: Dunn Says Western is Leading on Reporting Campus Sexual Assault

WMUK

Western Michigan University President John Dunn says the university’s new policy on reporting sexual assault on campus is one that other schools should emulate. 

Dunn says the policy, approved by university trustees at its July 9th meeting, is the right one “on paper.” He says now the university must execute it well. Dunn says Western is trying to make sure it gets an accurate reporting of cases, and handles them the best way possible. He says the university has worked with one of the best consultants in the country to examine the university’s system. Dunn says Western now has the right program in place.

Western Michigan University's President sat down with WMUK's Gordon Evans and Kalamazoo Gazette Reporter Emily Monacelli. A summary of other issues:

Colony Farm Orchard

Asked about plans to expand the Business Technology Research Park onto the Colony Farm Orchard, Dunn says a committee will be formed to make sure that all voices are heard on what steps should come next. He says Western’s Business Technology and Research Park was developed in a sustainable way. Dunn says Colony Farm Orchard will be developed in a similar fashion.

Tuition

Western Michigan University raised tuition 3.2% last month, which was the cap set by the state to receive additional funding for higher education. Two universities, Eastern Michigan and Oakland recently increased tuition more than the state cap. Dunn says it was tough for Western to stay at the state’s cap. He says the state needs to examine its incentives and metrics to determine how much tuition should go up. Dunn says lawmakers need to consider the return on investment that universities provide. 

johndunn070915-web.mp3
Interview with John Dunn - web version

Alumni Center

The university’s new alumni center is on track to open in October and will be called Heritage Hall. Dunn says the former East Hall will be a “grand place.” Many historic preservationists wanted the university to preserve that building and three others on East Campus, which have since been demolished. Dunn says the university tried many options to save those buildings, but they didn’t work out. Dunn says he had a responsibility to take action on East campus, and believes the new alumni center will be well received. 

Credit WMUK
John Dunn - File photo

Open Meetings

A state lawmaker has proposed amending the state Constitution to require university governing boards to hold all meetings in public. Dunn says “we can make anything work.” But he likes the current system. It allows university boards to hold informal discussions which are closed to the public. Dunn says that allows the president and trustees to hold frank open discussions that could be “misinterpreted” by the public.

Elson Floyd

Western Michigan University’s Board of Trustees approved naming the Engineering Building on the Parkview Campus Elson S. Floyd Hall. That honors former Western president Elson Floyd who passed away in June from complications related to cancer. Dunn says the Business Technology and Research Park and the Engineering Building was one of Floyd’s major accomplishments. Dunn says more a formal recognition is planned for the fall once arrangements can be made with Floyd’s family.

Gordon Evans became WMUK's Content Director in 2019 after more than 20 years as an anchor, host and reporter. A 1990 graduate of Michigan State, he began work at WMUK in 1996.
Related Content