EDITORIAL: CMU’s administration should not forget here and now
When University President George Ross delivers his State of the University Address, it's important to keep many things in mind.
With Ross' address scheduled for 3 p.m. today, students are offered a chance to hear the main struggles and goals of the school direct from the source.
While this semester has started under different circumstances than most, due to the Faculty Association and Central Michigan University contract conflict, several other issues could determine the future of CMU's academic success.
University Communication was created to serve as a liaison between students and administration regarding the budget, tuition, programs and other issues.
But has served just as much a barricade as a vessel for information. During the Aug. 22 FA strike, many students were left high and dry, unsure of whether their professor would be teaching.
The critical trouble our university faces is digging itself into a hole by spending money on new buildings and programs, while leaving the foundation of the university — teaching — far behind. By heading down this path, not only will the new, $21.5 million Events Center be empty, but Anspach and Pearce Halls will be vacant of students and faculty as well.
We have a better chance of evolving into a successful, well-rounded university if administration spends time maintaining and improving what we have — whether it’s buildings or the faculty.
The most evident of these solutions is spending a fraction of what a new building would cost on rebuilding and renovating what we already have, rather than placing the goal on pure expansion. Why must the goal remain as being bigger and better than other universities in Michigan — why not simply produce more successful students?
By prioritizing education versus entertainment, something the administration claims is a goal, we can create a university at which students actually want to attend and learn: a university not defined by having nice buildings.
CMU can become an affordable university that offers quality education like it used to be.
However, our university is doing some things right. As a Division 1 school, the free sports games and low-priced or free entertainment are plus sides many other schools at this level lack. Because education is becoming a bit too expensive, these added bonuses provide students experiences otherwise unattainable.
What is the purpose of a new Events Center, a biosciences building or a College of Medicine if we have no one to educate and be educated in them? CMU is well on its way to becoming a ghost town — with a modern look.
