Editorial: Understanding the CMU budget is the students’ right
We, as students, are citizens of Central Michigan University. For any healthy democracy to function successfully, its citizens must be informed accurately, and its administration must be held accountable.
At the Society of Professional Journalists and Central Michigan Life, we believe it is important for students and the community to understand how CMU’s budget works and to be aware of where the dollars are spent around campus.
Students have the right to know because they are a major part of the budget, and it influences their experience at CMU, from academics to recreation.
Understanding where their money goes gives them a sense of ownership, responsibility and power over the choices that affect their lives. It makes them believe that their voices matter at the place they call home away from home.
Therefore, the budget isn’t just a representation of how our institution works, it is also a list of priorities. Being informed about these priorities can help students understand whether they line up with their expectations for the future.
That’s why, our team at SPJ, in partnership with CM Life, is proud to present the first part of our “CMU Budget” project, where we investigated:
- Where the student tuition goes
- Where parking services spend their money
Our team has been working on the first part of this project for the fall semester, putting long hours of work, gathering interviews with experts and students and creating art.
For us, it was an exercise in curiosity and a journalistic need to follow the money. We were guided by the SPJ code of ethics: Accuracy, independence and truth.
But outside of being journalists, we are also students. Our biggest motivator was the fact that we love and care deeply about CMU and the people here. We want it to thrive as an institution and help students succeed in their careers.
Watch for “CMU Budget” parts two and three later this semester. If you have a story idea, please feel free to email SPJ President Masha Smahliuk at smahl1m@cmich.edu.
