2008 Woodie Awards
WU dances around issues
Issue date: 9/27/07 Section: Opinion/Editorial
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At the Sept. 18 Delegates' Agenda meeting, representatives from various campus organizations met with Webster University officials to address issues that affect students. The student leaders and Student Government Association officials had a list of 26 suggestions for improvement on campus. Eight of these issues were presented to university officials. Despite student efforts, President Richard Meyers and other administrators gave vague and inconsequential answers to nearly every question raised.
The topic of academic honors qualifications and notifications was practically overlooked. Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs James Staley said WU notifies students of making university honors by posting a notice on their student account. Debra Carpenter, dean of the School of Communications, mentioned that some deans let their students know if they have achieved departmental honors. Neither offered a solution for a simpler way of informing students, nor offered to change the qualifications, as some students suggested.
Another issue on the agenda was the Visual Arts Studio. This issue was mentioned at last semester's agenda as well. Senior Ashley Kopp, an art major, said she felt neglected in the VAS. She said the darkroom in the photography lab was a health hazard. Vice President for Finance Dave Garafola said the VAS was built on a temporary basis and was never intended to be used as long as it has, but a new building will probably not be built for at least another 10 to 15 years.
Meanwhile, the university is in the beginning stages of campaigning to build a new business and technology building, as well as a science building. The current buildings do not present a health hazard to students.
When some students brought up the issue of expensive health insurance for international students, even Meyers agreed that the insurance is very expensive - much more expensive than in most international students' home countries. However, he said the cost is less than half of what staff and faculty have to pay. He offered no solutions for international students and the moderator moved to the next subject.
The saddest part of the entire meeting was the 18 issues that never even got mentioned. If students have so many issues that they are passionate about, the least the administration can do is listen to all of them and take some time out of their busy schedules to hear about what matters most at this campus - the students.
The topic of academic honors qualifications and notifications was practically overlooked. Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs James Staley said WU notifies students of making university honors by posting a notice on their student account. Debra Carpenter, dean of the School of Communications, mentioned that some deans let their students know if they have achieved departmental honors. Neither offered a solution for a simpler way of informing students, nor offered to change the qualifications, as some students suggested.
Another issue on the agenda was the Visual Arts Studio. This issue was mentioned at last semester's agenda as well. Senior Ashley Kopp, an art major, said she felt neglected in the VAS. She said the darkroom in the photography lab was a health hazard. Vice President for Finance Dave Garafola said the VAS was built on a temporary basis and was never intended to be used as long as it has, but a new building will probably not be built for at least another 10 to 15 years.
Meanwhile, the university is in the beginning stages of campaigning to build a new business and technology building, as well as a science building. The current buildings do not present a health hazard to students.
When some students brought up the issue of expensive health insurance for international students, even Meyers agreed that the insurance is very expensive - much more expensive than in most international students' home countries. However, he said the cost is less than half of what staff and faculty have to pay. He offered no solutions for international students and the moderator moved to the next subject.
The saddest part of the entire meeting was the 18 issues that never even got mentioned. If students have so many issues that they are passionate about, the least the administration can do is listen to all of them and take some time out of their busy schedules to hear about what matters most at this campus - the students.
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