GOOD GOVERNANCE
Though the University Academic Senate may seem like a faculty-only affair, students can make some positive progress if they become part of the conversation, too
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For the University Academic Senate here at Grand Valley State University, last year was a big one. In the 2011-2012 academic year, UAS managed to kick-start a new religious studies program, recommended to the Provost to accept a revised General Education program, voted to cancel classes on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and reduced the number of personnel reviews professors must undergo before being considered for tenure.
I know here at the Lanthorn, we are supposed to be against the man, so we’re sorry if this makes us sound lame – but these changes are not easy to make, and they will, in both short-term and in the long-run, benefit the students, faculty and staff at GVSU. So don’t let them float in your peripherals – become part of the conversation.
Student Senate, for example, came to UAS proposing a fall break that would put GVSU in line with many other public colleges and universities in Michigan and now, Cory DiCarlo, vice chair, said UAS is putting it on the table for discussion this year; along with, he said, 40 to 50 main changes to work on this school year.
40-50.
As a student, workloads can seem insurmountable, and even unfair at times– but imagine having 40-50 big papers to write each year. True, UAS has more than just one undergrad on its side, but there’s something to be said for that kind of focus.
In the article published on A1 of this issue of the Lanthorn, UAS chair Figen Mekik said there’s still room for improvement – but it rests on the engagement of the faculty and students here on campus.
“There is always room for improvement,” Mekik told the Lanthorn. “The biggest improvement would be more engagement from faculty and students in issues [the] senate takes up. Everyone is welcome to our meetings, and not only is external input valued at the senate, often times it is necessary. So please get involved.”
We know we sound like the hippie kid on campus who doesn’t wear shoes outdoors, but forward motion and positive change relies first and foremost on the student body. You can’t say you don’t like something and not do anything to change it – apathy is progress’ worst enemy.
So if you don’t like the changes to the General Education program, or if you think there’s a department on campus that doesn’t get enough attention from the university – it’s up to you to bring that discussion to the table. Who knows, play your cards right, and there might be one less week of classes to cramp your style.
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Pictures of the Year 2012-2013
Courtesy Photo/Joe Kargula and Erik Peterson run the Marathon leg of the Ironman Triathlon
GVL / Robert Mathews Quarterback Heath Parling (12) leading the offense past Notre Dame College.
GVL / Eric Coulter Senior Jake Isaacson placed eigth in the Spartan Invitational. Isaacson's time of 25:04 was the highest among Division II athletes.
GVL/Jessica Hollenbeck Student Senate President Jack Iott speaks to the assembly during Thursday's meeting.
Courtesy / gvsu.edu President Haas and Montcalm Community College President Robert C. Ferrentino sign the transfer agreement
Courtesy Photo/ GVSU Athletic Department Sophomore Chris Cunningham lines up a putt at a past match.
Courtesy Photo / GVSULakers.com Andrew Darrell prepares to return the serve earlier this season.
GVL / Jessica Hollenbeck President Haas cooks pancakes during Family Weekend's "Pancakes with Presidents".
GVL / Jessica Hollenbeck President Haas cooks pancakes during Family Weekend's "Pancakes with Presidents".
GVL / Archive Forward Briauna Taylor (31) chases down a lose ball in a game last season
Courtesy Photo / Dean Breest Sophomore Allyson Winchester was named the GLIAC Women's Cross Country Athlete of the Year after finishing first with a time of 20:48.8.
GVL / Archive GVSU's Breland Hogan rises and fires over three defenders last season.
GVL/Bo Anderson Briauna Taylor leads the fast break during a game earlier this season.
GVL / Robert Mathews Associate Vice President for Facilities Planning, James Moyer, leading a walk through of the Mary Ideam Pew Library
Courtesy Photo / GVSU DII Men's Hockey Jeremy Christopher chases down a puck during a matchup last season.
GVL / Bo Anderson Students and faculty danced under the spectacular light show in the Devos Place Ballroom
GVL / Robert Mathews Martin L�wenberg, holocaust survivor, speaking at the Genocide Awareness Night presentation in the Grand River Room.
Courtesy / Dean Breest Senior Sam Lockhart finishes her indoor career with two individual national championships in weight throw and shot put at the 2013 National Championships.
Archive / Robert Mathews Giancarlo Brugnoni (40) rounding the bases during a previous game.
GVL/Bo Anderson Seniors Christ Koppenaal, Bill Madsen, and Mitch Weber measure the exterior of the Wesley House as part of an energy audit.
GVL / Robert Mathews Senior Anthony Campanella pitching against Tiffin University during the Lakers double header.
GVL / Eric Coulter Brother Jed Smock, a member of Campus Ministry USA, speaks with fervor to a student. Many students, all with differing views, came to watch the Campus Ministry members speak.
GVL / Sean Mouton A passing walker stops to admire some recently constructed pieces of Art Prize 2012.
GVL Archive Senior Nick Gunthorpe follows through and watches his shot at the Ardenson last year. This weekend the team will be playing in South Haven.
GVL / Bo Anderson GVSU's Katie Martin points to her teammate after safely reaching second base.
GVL / Robert Mathews Mary Idema Pew Library Learning and Information Commons under construction.
GVL / Archive The Grand Valley Rowing Team during Spring Training in Florida last spring.
GVL / Robert Mathews Judge Glenda Hatchett, keynote guest for Monday's King celebration, speaks in the Grand River Room in Kirkhof.
GVL / Robert Mathews Judge Glenda Hatchett, keynote guest for Monday's King celebration, speaks in the Grand River Room in Kirkhof.
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