Members of the ISU Presidential Search and Screen Advisory Committee said they feel encouraged by the turnout of faculty, students and alumni after the first public forum for presidential criteria. Dave Hopper, chair of the Subcommittee to Develop Criteria, said he enjoyed the hour-long meeting. “It’s been an educational and rewarding experience for me and I hope for the rest of the sub-committee,” said Hopper, professor of veterinary medicine. Andy Bock, another member of the subcommittee, agreed the input was important. “I hope the committee will take the comments seriously,” said Bock, library assistant at Parks Library. “I mean, if people are going to take the time to come out and offer them, we need to respect them.” A group of about 20 faculty, staff, alumni and students attended the first meeting, which was held from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday. Audience members discussed several issues and criteria they felt the new president should address, including more support and resources for faculty, staff and students with dependent parents or children. They advised looking for someone with a positive track record of working with employees and students. Another item emphasized by almost all of the audience members was the importance of an increased emphasis in undergraduate education during the next president’s administration. Herman Quirmbach, associate professor of economics, said that while Jischke began several important programs such as the Christina Hixon scholarships and teaching workshops for faculty, more needs to be done. “The rest of that is more frosting,” he said. “I’m concerned about the cake.” Quirmbach said he would like to see increased resources for classroom teaching, particularly concerning money to hire more teaching assistants Chris Schilling, associate professor of materials science and engineering, said he would like to see the presidential candidates address the issues of faculty tenure and corporate donor policies. “Get it all in the open,” he said. “Nothing to hide, nothing to be afraid of.” Hopper said he and the five subcommittee members will present suggestions to other members of the Presidential Search and Screen Advisory Committee to decide on the final criteria. Hopper said he hopes to hear more suggestions and comments from members of the ISU community. “Our job is to represent your issues and our own as best we can,” he said. The final forum for presidential criteria will be from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. today in the Pioneer Room of the Memorial Union.