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[Note: This material is copyright by The Gazette, and is reproduced here as a matter of "fair use" for non-commercial, educational purposes only. Any other use may require the prior approval of The Gazette.]

  Instead, their own future plans were of greater concern than the failed search and controversy that have embroiled the campus in recent weeks. "I think they've pretty much botched the whole deal at this point,’’ political science major Ben Fischer, 23, of Dubuque, said of the failed search.

  Fischer said he’s more interested in enjoying his remaining time in Iowa City and said he’s not concerned who becomes the next University of Iowa president.

  Ceramic and studio art student Ross Minzenberg, 23, of Pittsburgh, said he was too busy applying for residency programs and internships to follow the UI presidential search. Minzenberg said the uncertainty around what he’ll do next is a bigger concern. ‘‘I’m pretty much willing to go wherever the opportunity arises,’’ he said.

  Several UI groups have called for a leadership change in the state Board of Regents and passed measures of ‘‘no confidence’’ in regents’ leadership last week. Faculty, staff and student leaders have accused the nine-member regent board of using top-down management and have criticized them for not accepting committee recommendations for a new UI president.

  Johnson County Democrats asked Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack to demand resignations of Regent President Michael Gartner and President Pro Tem Teresa Wahlert. Frustrated with the recent controversy, Regent Tom Bedell of Spirit Lake resigned Thursday.

  Interim UI President Gary Fethke, who was appointed when David Skorton left in June for the Cornell University presidency, made no mention of the controversy during a three-minute speech in which he urged graduates to exercise their talents.

  ‘‘Success in life depends on a variety of factors, ability, luck, energy and effort. Of these factors, only effort is under your control,’’ he told graduates.