Fort Lewis College trustees Friday heard proposals for shared governance with faculty and a suggestion for a housing subsidy to attract and retain junior faculty members. A faculty representative presented the ideas to the board.

Trustees had reservations about both issues but said they’re willing to listen and asked for detailed proposals from Justin McBrayer, an associate professor of philosophy.

Nothing official will occur before the board’s next meeting in February.

Michelle Merz-Hutchinson, a lawyer with the state attorney general’s office who advises the board, is going to determine if faculty members can sit as ex officio members of board subcommittees.

McBrayer, who became the faculty representative to the board this year, proposed seating faculty as ex officio participants in the board’s business affairs and ad hoc investment subcommittees. McBrayer also proposed a liaison committee made up of board and faculty members to discuss issues of interest.

McBrayer said interaction between board and faculty would improve communications and understanding of issues. Now, he is the lone link between instructors and policymakers, McBrayer said.

Board members were under the impression that anyone can speak at subcommittee meetings. Trustee Matt Wassam said ex officio status could simply give faculty members a platform for a “bitch” session.

On the issue of housing help, McBrayer said a loan to new faculty members would beat a salary bump for the same purpose. A loan could be forgiven under certain conditions, he said.

Helping new faculty members buy a house reduces attrition and can encourage qualified candidates who otherwise wouldn’t apply.

He said universities in California have such programs, as does the University of Colorado, Boulder.

Provost Barbara Morris said such programs don’t work if they favor one group. Better an overall pay raise, Morris said.

daler@durangoherald.com