2008 Woodie Awards
In face of change, students must get involved
Issue: 7/14/08 Section: Opinion
Much of the reporting within this issue of The Spectator has a unified theme: Seattle University is changing. And as President Stephen Sundborg, SJ, reassures, change is a normal thing for any institution to encounter.
But Sundborg downplays the evolution of Seattle U. The university isn't changing steadily like a middle-aged adult. It's a teenager raging through puberty--quickly.
And as with any such rapid change, there's bound to be some growing pains and embarrassing voice cracks.
This year, these pains will likely be seen in class cuts officials have said will number more than 45, while at the same time trying to accommodate the university's largest freshmen class ever in its academic endeavors.
Residence halls on campus may be stretched to the bursting point for much of the year, with formerly obnoxious temporary living turning into full-time inconvenience.
Athletic teams trying to gain steam to compete with Division I powerhouses will find themselves on the road for most of their games. Those interested in finding big collegiate athletics at Seattle U will have to look elsewhere until the Redhawks start playing at home again--not to mention, start winning.
Questions were raised by students at a few forums held spring quarter in response to class cuts. Most wanted to know whether the quality of their education was being compromised by university expansion and, in particular, the move to Division I athletics.
And most expressed the sentiment that they would rather not be part of a university in transition because they feel Seattle U already fosters what they need--and what they came for in the first place--in their university experience.
But when will Seattle U students reach a point where they care enough to do more than occasionally bicker about the changing face of the institution? When will they provide the university with feedback that demands real results?
University administrators have made admirable attempts at soliciting student opinion. After all, they're not malicious tyrants steering the university in directions that only benefit them. But like a geology professor trying to get technical about rocks with an English major, there's not much hope in students actively participating. Oftentimes students are weeks behind on what the university's latest big move will be.
But Sundborg downplays the evolution of Seattle U. The university isn't changing steadily like a middle-aged adult. It's a teenager raging through puberty--quickly.
And as with any such rapid change, there's bound to be some growing pains and embarrassing voice cracks.
This year, these pains will likely be seen in class cuts officials have said will number more than 45, while at the same time trying to accommodate the university's largest freshmen class ever in its academic endeavors.
Residence halls on campus may be stretched to the bursting point for much of the year, with formerly obnoxious temporary living turning into full-time inconvenience.
Athletic teams trying to gain steam to compete with Division I powerhouses will find themselves on the road for most of their games. Those interested in finding big collegiate athletics at Seattle U will have to look elsewhere until the Redhawks start playing at home again--not to mention, start winning.
Questions were raised by students at a few forums held spring quarter in response to class cuts. Most wanted to know whether the quality of their education was being compromised by university expansion and, in particular, the move to Division I athletics.
And most expressed the sentiment that they would rather not be part of a university in transition because they feel Seattle U already fosters what they need--and what they came for in the first place--in their university experience.
But when will Seattle U students reach a point where they care enough to do more than occasionally bicker about the changing face of the institution? When will they provide the university with feedback that demands real results?
University administrators have made admirable attempts at soliciting student opinion. After all, they're not malicious tyrants steering the university in directions that only benefit them. But like a geology professor trying to get technical about rocks with an English major, there's not much hope in students actively participating. Oftentimes students are weeks behind on what the university's latest big move will be.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Sean McCreight
posted 7/15/08 @ 6:24 PM PST
Months have passed with The Spectator staff continuously "bickering" themselves regarding student apathy. I do not and never have believed that SU students are apathetic. (Continued…)
Skeptical student
posted 7/17/08 @ 3:36 PM PST
I'd have to agree with the author of this editorial. I can't help but feel that students at Seattle University are really passive. They just take whatever the administration does with "bickering" and no action. (Continued…)
Patrick B.
Patrick B.
posted 8/03/08 @ 12:03 PM PST
Growing pains are being felt at universities all across our state, and country. As our economic times worsen, it is increasingly likely that high school grads will want to seek the shelter of higher ed instead of withering in the winds of the tight job market. (Continued…)
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