INSTITUTIONAL memory can be a tricky thing. For the average student, it probably runs about five or six years at the most. But for administrators, it can span three or four decades. And at a place like the University, with its long history of student self-governance, this difference can have a significant impact on our University.
When we arrive as first years, it seems as though the dinners at O-Hill will never end. But as the end of third year approaches, the reality begins to hit home. Four years isn't so long after all.
It is with these recollections in mind that the matter of institutional memory is important because next year will fly by even faster than anyone can imagine. What happened to the idea of a student-run walking escort service? Or why doesn't anyone talk about fall rush anymore? Does the Lawn absorb all of the passions of fourth years when they walk down it at Final Exercises?
Perhaps. But students cannot afford to let the visions of some die when they leave Grounds. Change on a large scale takes time. Sometimes, though, the will of students isn't expressed because administrators have the simple advantage of time. And because our institution thrives on the principle of student self-governance, students alone are often left to the task of inciting change. But students can work to keep the momentum and awareness of important issues alive over the course of graduating classes.
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Most noteworthy during this time of course registration, the pressure to create of an online course evaluation system must remain high. Students deserve the fundamental right to find out what students have had to say about classes and professors. With this tool, focus on academic rigor can be channeled properly, and faculty will be driven to serve students to the best of their ability. The student groups that have been working to make this idea a reality, including the Academic Affairs Committee, Arts and Sciences Council, the Engineering School Council and the Presidential Roundtable of Student Council, are to be commended for their efforts and commitment thus far. If this demand continues to be stressed next year, the administration will have little choice but to act.
Those students who have to yell "not gay" during the Good Ol' Song need to grow up. Those students who already have enough common sense to be respectful need not be afraid to demand the same from their peers. Saying this little phrase isn't funny. Granted, it's not a mortal sin either, but it does antagonize, hurt and alienate others. Some traditions are best left behind, and this certainly is one of them.
The University must meet the demands for improved graduate health care coverage. The recent proposal to cover part of insurance costs is commendable, but does not solve the problem completely. Graduate students chose to attend the University to further their education and are forced to live at the mercy of QualChoice's exorbitant rates. Advocates of improved coverage or lower costs, such as those who protested last Wednesday, have dedicated a tremendous amount of time and energy to a cause worthy of attention. Now the administration must continue to work toward a resolution and not leave the issue behind.
Council's proposal to eliminate the choice between Alderman and McCormick Road residence areas must become a reality. Though its motives often are misunderstood, the plan will enhance the first-year living experience and promote the proper sense of exposure and interaction among undergraduates if properly implemented. This case represents an issue that the administration appears to be more supportive of than the student body. It would be a tragedy, however, if this worthwhile action was not taken simply because some students did not appreciate it fully. Though self-governance remains important, there are times when deference to our mentors benefits us.
Minority recruitment and hiring for faculty and administrative posts must remain a primary focus. There appears to be a raised consciousness about this issue in our community and continued pressure on the administration eventually will be met with the desired results. Especially in light of the impending departure of Dean Glenna Chang and perhaps Vice President for Student Affairs William W. Harmon, our community must continue to expect an emphasis on hiring diverse members of the faculty, staff and administration. The recent hiring of Yoke San L. Reynolds as vice president for finance is an excellent example of such commitment.
This institution has a long and storied history that lives on each day. With every incoming and graduating class, the scene forever evolves. Despite the changing faces, issues that shape the University indelibly are raised continually. Through the summer and over the years, the energy to affect positive change cannot fade.
(Katherine Martini's column appears Mondays in The Cavalier Daily. She is the Housing Committee Chairperson and Coordinator of University Committees for Student Council. She can be reached at kmartini @cavalierdaily.com.)
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