University checks hire with political parties

Corpobligation: Governments contribute funding to universities, should they vet appointments by partisan terms? Have funding realities destroyed academic independence?

• Not wanting to be pedantic, of course academic independence has been undermined by financial realities: universities sign exclusive agreements with Coke, drug companies name buildings, professors have to seek their own research funding from companies and the government.

• UBC was seeking to hire a Vice-President of External and Community Relations: “Former Tory MP John Reynolds was asked whether the appointment of Liberal MP Stephen Owen as vice president would be a “problem” for the university.”

• Link Article in the Globe and Mail

• Where does corporate obligation come in? Universities have obligations to at the least ensure academic independence. It is a little frightening to see universities spending funds on lobbying.

• Isn't UBC just acting like any rational actor? Perhaps, the mistake was to get caught? See related

The Politics of Post-Secondary Education

JORGE BARRERA Canadian Press August 17, 2007 at 2:29 PM EDT

Stephen Owen Appointed Vice President, External and Community Relations - UBC Press Release – July 5, 2007

Owen, a UBC alumnus who is the Member of Parliament for Vancouver Quadra, the Vancouver constituency that includes UBC, will resign his seat July 27 before assuming his new UBC position August 15.

The position description for Owen’s responsibilities states: “The External and Community Relations Portfolio is responsible for guiding and enhancing engagement with government at all levels -- municipal, provincial, national and international. It develops community relationships with civil society, neighbourhood associations and social movements; enhances cultural aspects of university life related to staff, faculty and students studying, living and working together; and builds a sense of belonging to form a vibrant and cohesive community.”

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