In a refreshing change from University policy, the Purdue provost selection has been continually made open to the public. In the past, such searches were conducted quietly among the University's administration and elite.

However, the provost search has changed everything. For the first time, candidates for the chief academic administrator position were open to public scrutiny.

Each of the four candidates will have a presentation and open forum where anyone in the audience may ask questions. The topic of each presentation, "The Future of Research at Public Universities and Purdue University," may not seem exciting, but the possibility of affecting Purdue's executive staff is.

The candidates will hold their forums on different days over the next few weeks : Steven W. Leslie from 3-4 p.m. today in Room 206 of Stewart Center; Gary B. Schuster from 3-4 p.m. on Monday in Room 202 of Stewart Center; Joan F. Lorden from 3-4 p.m. on Feb. 1 in Room 202 of Stewart Center; and Sally K. Frost Mason from 3-4 p.m. on Feb. 7 in the Krannert Auditorium.

Student participation has already been welcomed in the selection process, as each candidate will meet with students; there are also students on the selection committee.

But, if you aren't on the committee, you still have a voice that must be heard at the forums.

When we don't use privileges, we lose privileges. If the student body is shown to be concerned and respectable of the candidates, we not only make ourselves and our University look good, but we also encourage the University to follow in a similar fashion for future positions.

Help shape Purdue's future — participate.

n Editorial Board: Keith Thomas, Tom McHenry, Melissa Davis and Laura Pelner.