Welcome to the new Binghamton University, class of 2014.

Congratulations are in order, of course. You were accepted into a top-ranked public university during an admissions cycle when the entire country is poorer than it should be. State school applications are sky-rocketing, BU’s academic programs are as good as ever, yet here you are. An achievement, undoubtedly.

With that said, this is not the same school you applied to. We don’t mean that in a bad way. As you enter the next stage of your life, so does this University. Which is kind of exciting in our humble opinion, especially for you little ones.

It’s the end of an era, really. Multiple key administration officials from previous years are now gone or going ‘ including former President Lois DeFleur, who had a 20-year reign, and Cheryl Brown, who was Director of Admissions for 10 and a member of the admissions department for 30.

DeFleur’s departure is particularly interesting. During her time as president, she impacted Binghamton immeasurably ‘ often for the better, but at times for the worse. Simply put, she brought this school to where it is today. And if DeFleur is anything, she’s a tough act to follow.

This administrative renovation is taking place during an extremely pivotal time. New buildings are under construction, we’re still fresh off last year’s incredible basketball controversy and the entire SUNY system (of which we’re the supposed jewel) is on the verge of completely changing its relationship with the state of New York.

We seemingly have a vacuum of leadership during an extremely anxious time. Refreshingly, though, for the first time in decades, the University has a clean slate. But what does this mean for you?

It means that you, as a freshman, get to impact and witness the future of this school.

During your time here, Binghamton will not only have a new president but also a new direction. DeFleur’s focus was on athletics and research, but with her retirement, that could change entirely. Maybe BU’s new administration will focus on creating a law school or a med school, starting a football team or even (you heard it here first) a journalism department. Will BU continue to transform into a research-based University or return to its liberal arts roots?

The next four years will dictate the next 20 ‘ and you get to be a part of it. Get excited guys. But more importantly, get involved. Write a letter. Stop by the Student Association office. Leave your input on the presidential search website (www2.binghamton.edu/presidential-search). Let people know that the future of this school is important to you. By influencing those with the power to change things, maybe, just maybe, you can have a slice of influence too.

We have faith that you will help lead this school into a new era. We have faith that you’ll kick some ass.

After all, we heard you guys are supposed to be smart.