OUR VIEW: Lessons learned: You spoke, they listened
On Monday, the faculty senate was presented with a revised version of Common Hour. The changes can be found in detail elsewhere in this paper but we wanted to express our appreciation to those involved in this monumental endeavor.
Altering the fundamental structure of USU’s scheduling is no easy task. There are many moving parts and considerations involved. A few months ago we expressed our support for the Common Hour with the caveat that twice a week at noon may not be the perfect fit. We were not alone in our reticence. Students and faculty alike voiced their concerns and they were not only heard, but an impressive compromise has now been introduced.
We thank the Common Hour planners for their sincere consideration of student and faculty concerns. We applaud them for their dedication to reaching a solution and we state once again that the goals entrenched in Common Hour are worthwhile ends to reach for.
The students are also deserving of applause. The initial reaction to Common Hour was overwhelmingly negative but the important thing is that there was a reaction. Similar to the way Utahns organized to express their concerns on HB 477, Aggies were vocal in their support and opposition of a twice-weekly Common Hour. Whether you agree or disagree with the masses it is inspiring to see so many individuals take a stand on policy that affects them.
What’s more, this was not an isolated incident. All year long USU students have taken an active role in public debate. This year we saw record voter turnout at our ASUSU elections. We saw public outcry – for good and ill – following high profile events like B.J. Novak and The HOWL. At The Statesman we saw an unusually high number of letters to the editor and online commenting on our opinion columns. We were able to include a number of guest columns from members of the student body and faculty.
It is always tempting to remain silent under the guise that one voice achieves nothing. We disagree, we see this year as proof that the dialogue can take place at USU. Our student leaders and administrators are listening, eager for the input of the student body. Keep speaking; our school and our community are the better for it.