A4
OPINION
SEPTEMBER 6, 2012 Grand Valley Lanthorn
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EDITORIAL
GOOD GOVERNANCE
F
or 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, ben-
efit 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
QUESTION OF THE ISSUE
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.
GVL EDITORIAL CARTOON I BY DAN SILLS
WHAT CHANGES WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE AT GVSU THIS YEAR? “Better parking on campus.”
Ali McNamara
Junior, broadcasting Rockford, Mich.
“I would like to see more diversity when it comes to events.”
dsills@lanthorn.com
Helana Oatio
Senior, criminal justice Detroit, Mich.
“I’d like for students to be made more aware of the academic and professional recources on campus.”
Asia Clayton
Senior, information systems Detrioit, Mich.
“The changes I would like to see would be for GV to become a D1 school! We deserve it!”
Danielle Morabito Senior, health communications Midland, Mich.
“More off campus houses.”
IAN ELLIS
Senior, accounting Northville, Mich.
Lanthorn
The student-run newspapers at Grand Valley State University
Funding: It’s worth talking about BY STEPHANIE DEIBLE GVL COLUMNIST
Funding. It’s a big issue for most us on campus. It’s not uncommon to see people pinching their pennies after buying the textbooks they need to make it through the semester. For many disability-related organizations, though, pinching pennies has a whole new dynamic. A number of the programs put in place to help people with disabilities experience some of life’s simplest activities such as playing sports or even gaining access to educational opportunities are provided by nonprofit organizations and numerous volunteers. This past weekend was the Muscular Dystrophy Association telethon. The telethon, which was titled the MDA Show of Strength, was used
Editor in Chief Associate Editor Community Engagement Advertising Manager BY CHRISTINe COLLERAN GVL COLUMNIST
GVL OPINION POLICY The ultimate goal of the Grand Valley Lanthorn opinion page is to stimulate discussion and action on topics of interest to the Grand Valley Community. Student opinions do not reflect those of the Grand Valley Lanthorn. The Grand Valley Lanthorn welcomes reader viewpoints and offers three vehicles of expression for reader opinions: letters to the editor, guest columns and phone responses. Letters must include the author’s name and be accompanied by current picture identification if dropped off in person. Letters will be checked by an employee of the Grand Valley Lanthorn.
Letters appear as space permits each issue. The limit for letter length is one page, single spaced. The editor reserves the right to edit and condense letters and columns for length restrictions and clarity. All letters must be typed. The Grand Valley Lanthorn will not be held responsible for errors that appear in print as a result of transcribing handwritten letters or e-mail typographic errors. The name of the author may be withheld for compelling reasons. The content, information and views expressed are not approved by nor necessarily represent those of the university, its Board of Trustees, officers, faculty and staff.
However, it was also tough to watch because I see how important it is for people with disabilities to experience things like summer camp yet, somehow, finding programs like this is often a challenge. A week-long camp may appear to be a simple thing to most of us in college, but it’s not. It allows kids time to just be a kid and take the focus off any medical challenges they may be facing, build friendships and learn. As Ms. Wheelchair Michigan 2012 my goal is to help others with disabilities turn their dreams into goals and, frankly, that would not be possible without disabilityrelated organizations. Over the course of my reign, I have worked with various nonprofit organizations such as Think Beyond the Chair, Disability Connection of West Michigan and Alternatives in Motion to help people with disabilities gain resources and build connections. It is those resources and connections that make setting and
achieving goals a possibility. I know every group, company and organization is going through or has experienced some sort of financial struggle. However, knowing so many people with disabilities wouldn’t necessarily get the opportunity to go to summer camp, the beach, play sports, or even gain access to the medical supplies they need without these organizations makes it an issue worth talking about. Like many of us, I wish money grew on trees. Not because I want a fancy car, but because there will always be a dire need for financial support and volunteers for organizations like the MDA. Until then, I’ll keep plugging along trying to spread awareness and give the next generation of people with disabilities more opportunities. sdeible@lanthorn.com **Read Stephanie’s blog, Beyond the Chair, at www. lanthorn.com/blog/beyondthe-chair
Having the hots for your professor isn’t such a bad thing
EDITORIAL PAGE BOARD ANYA ZENTMEYER AUSTIN METZ BRIANA DOOLAN ANGELA COROLLA
to raise funds and awareness for people with various muscle diseases. MDA is the nonprofit organization dedicated to curing Muscular Dystrophy, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and other related diseases that often cause weakness or loss of muscle tissue. Beyond the research, the Association provides people with neuromuscular conditions assistance when they are in need of medical equipment and it also puts on a summer camp for children affected by these diseases. Sitting there watching a telethon full of musical entertainment from stars like Carrie Underwood coupled with stories from people who are directly affected by Muscular Dystrophy and other related diseases was a roller coaster ride full of emotions. On one hand, I was elated because the Show of Strength gave society the opportunity to see people with disabilities who are intelligent and accomplished individuals.
Every semester, I have class with a professor (or two) that I find attractive. It makes sense that students have crushes on their professors: the professors have a position of power in relation to us lowly students, they are usually well-learned, and they must have some level of charisma to keep us off of our smartphones during lecture. Regardless of the reason, I would like to make the case that having the hots for your professor is not such an awful thing. In fact, I find these little crushes quite advantageous.
Here’s why: Reason #1- You come to class. Lets face it, getting our butts out of bed, away from Netflix and to class is way tougher than it should be; especially if you are in baggy sweats and have managed to get your hands on a fresh bag of Cheetos. In that state, I could be in front of the television for days. However, when I’m taught by a professor with a smile right out of a Crest toothpaste ad, for example, or excellent forearms, for another - I seem to have a little drive to ditch the sweats and make it out the door. Yes, I am objectifying these professors, and no, I don’t feel bad about it. Read on. Reason #2- You come to class prepared, and get invested in subject matter. The biggest part of having
a crush is respect for the individual in question, and the desire for them to value you in a similar way. The physical stuff may hook you, but that fades quickly. Admiring your professors means appreciating their areas of expertise- and in a way attempting to be like them. When what you want is your professor to value you as a student and person, you would be surprised how easy it is to become invested in the material you are supposed to be learning. It’s a natural desire to please that comes with having a little crush. Reason #3- You look the part of good student Like I mentioned above, if you think your professor is the cats meow, it’s not likely that you are going to be walking into class looking semihomeless (those damn baggy sweats, WHY are they so
comfy?). No, chances are you will pull yourself together. The kicker; however, is that dressing nicely actually helps you become a better student. You sit up straighter, you are more focused on the lecture, and your confidence sky-rockets. Your teacher may not notice, but your grades will see the difference. In the end, it’s important not to go overboard with your crush (fatal attraction, anyone?). Then again, I think it is safe to say that it is a good thing not to be that creepy in any crush situation- be it a professor or not. Embrace the appreciation you have for your professors, then move on at the end of the semester. And professors- don’t pretend to be offended when you read this, it takes away from your studious charm. ccolleran@lanthorn.com