JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) – University of Missouri System Interim President Mike Middleton is asking lawmakers for time to enact changes following a tumultuous fall at the Columbia campus.

Middleton told state lawmakers during a Wednesday hearing that the university is working to address concerns raised after turmoil.

Middleton, the interim chancellor of the Columbia campus and a member of the board of curators, visited the Capitol after lawmakers for months have voiced frustration.

Complaints include criticism of leadership during November protests in Columbia over what student activists said was administrators’ indifference to racial issues. Others have slammed the university for not firing an educator who was suspended over a videotaped confrontation with student journalists during protests.

Middleton said administrators are in control of the university and action is being taken to address protesters’ concerns.