From the editor's desk
Nicole Moreland
Issue date: 9/10/01 Section: Opinion
- Page 1 of 1
The campus community will participate in a presidential inauguration this October which will mark the beginning of a new era.
As this year's graduates prepare to leave campus, they are mirrored by the faces of the entering class of 2005. While the academic changing of the guard is nothing new, the opportunity for incoming students coupled with a fresh administration is what makes this year unique.
When the current seniors were the incoming class three years--and three presidents-ago, they did not expect the explosion of campus discontent that would lead them down an unstable road for the next two years.
Now, many upperclassmen may have deaf ears toward administrative attempts to unite the campus, despite its apparent sincerity.
In an attempt to heal relations between facets of the community, President Ronald Volpe has promised priorities of an open door policy and student involvement. This is a refreshing approach to a presidency. Hopefully, Volpe will not forget the necessity of keeping these pledges.
As president, Volpe's responsibility to this campus is to follow through with his commitments. As the heart of this institution, it is the student body's obligation to not let Volpe's commitments go unnoticed or underutilized. Freshmen are being given an opportunity which has not been available to their predecessors in quite some time. For that reason, it is imperative that students unite and remain involved.
While we must not dwell on bad memories, let us not forget what happens to a campus when it loses its faith in the credibility of its fundamental leadership. When they come together, the different constituents of this campus have the power to make change. Now, they hold the power to initiate a relationship that will encourage positive growth and a healthy campus environment.
While Volpe's attitude inspires hope for a proactive administration, actions, not words, are what gain trust. The future administration should strive to attain credibility with the campus community and earn back the respect of even those who laugh hardest when the words Hood College are mentioned.
So far, it seems as if Volpe has some meat behind his intentions. And, while we should continually challenge the administration's priorities, it is our responsibility to allow the administration to prove they are sincere. Let not one complaint be made about lack of communication until a door is shut in your face. Change will not take place if students are afraid, or too apathetic, to knock.
As this year's graduates prepare to leave campus, they are mirrored by the faces of the entering class of 2005. While the academic changing of the guard is nothing new, the opportunity for incoming students coupled with a fresh administration is what makes this year unique.
When the current seniors were the incoming class three years--and three presidents-ago, they did not expect the explosion of campus discontent that would lead them down an unstable road for the next two years.
Now, many upperclassmen may have deaf ears toward administrative attempts to unite the campus, despite its apparent sincerity.
In an attempt to heal relations between facets of the community, President Ronald Volpe has promised priorities of an open door policy and student involvement. This is a refreshing approach to a presidency. Hopefully, Volpe will not forget the necessity of keeping these pledges.
As president, Volpe's responsibility to this campus is to follow through with his commitments. As the heart of this institution, it is the student body's obligation to not let Volpe's commitments go unnoticed or underutilized. Freshmen are being given an opportunity which has not been available to their predecessors in quite some time. For that reason, it is imperative that students unite and remain involved.
While we must not dwell on bad memories, let us not forget what happens to a campus when it loses its faith in the credibility of its fundamental leadership. When they come together, the different constituents of this campus have the power to make change. Now, they hold the power to initiate a relationship that will encourage positive growth and a healthy campus environment.
While Volpe's attitude inspires hope for a proactive administration, actions, not words, are what gain trust. The future administration should strive to attain credibility with the campus community and earn back the respect of even those who laugh hardest when the words Hood College are mentioned.
So far, it seems as if Volpe has some meat behind his intentions. And, while we should continually challenge the administration's priorities, it is our responsibility to allow the administration to prove they are sincere. Let not one complaint be made about lack of communication until a door is shut in your face. Change will not take place if students are afraid, or too apathetic, to knock.