COLUMN: Student voices will be heard, says Ombudsman
Ombudsman: One who investigates complaints and mediates fair settlements, especially between aggrieved parties such as consumers or students and an institution or organization.Yes, the Associated Students of Utah State University has an ombudsman (ombudsman@cc.usu.edu) who voices the students’ concerns to the USU administration, and this voice is heard. A new year brings new looks on campus. The USU Bookstore was remodeled to provide faster lines and better service. The Fieldhouse is changing to accommodate the overwhelming need for student exercise facilities, and more teachers were hired, not fired, to help alleviate the bulging size of classes. These are a few visible changes to USU. All of these resulted because students wanted change, spoke up, and got it. The administration, together with student input, is improving student life, but more can be done. The individual student has to speak up. Don?t be timid to say when something doesn?t work right, hinders or is bothersome. Understand there are people you can turn to. The Ombudsman Committee, the student body president, student advocate vice president, academic vice president, and the vice president for student services are a few. Until now, my biggest concern is not hearing from the students, not knowing what the problems are, and not being able to help. As I have met one-on-one with various administrators, the recurring message is they support the greatest asset USU has, the student body. Many issues exist at USU, and I am here to find solutions and demand change in USU?s processes and policies. I know with constant effort, changes for the better will happen. But if we remain quiet and apathetic, problems remain. The world is too happy, complain at the Taggart Student Center, Room 323.
Matt Ekins is the ASUSUstudent advocate. He canbe contacted atmde@cc.usu.edu.one