OUR VIEW: Programming did well this year

The college experience is more than learning to study, take tests or conduct research. It is learning how to live on a budget, get along with roommates and manage time. The student experience is, and should be, much more than just academic.

USU’s programming is among the best when it comes to providing both learning and social experiences outside of the classroom for its students. From work study and internship programs to activities like the Howl and and Mardi Gras, students almost have to try to keep from being involved.

We applaud all those who served on the programming board and committees of ASUSU this year. Not only did they fulfill their long-time promise of bringing a major band to USU with the Switchfoot concert, but new traditions have been started and old ones have been revived. This year’s activities have been diverse and well attended.

Through programming students are taught the importance of being a well-rounded person. School is not just about grades, just as a future career should not just be about the money. Activities have provided students opportunities to learn through lecture, be enlightened through music, be entertained through dance and parties and even cooperate through service.

But caution should still be exercised. An emphasis on programming, can become a de-emphasis on academics. We encourage next year’s student government to focus more on getting students to traditions and activities already in place than on creating new “legacies” to be carried on. Funding for academic advancement should never be harder to obtain than funding for refreshments at the next event.

Students need activities that compliment academics. The role of any university is to produce students who are not only experts in their fields, but who are also comfortable being active participants in the world around them.