Student Association President Matt Landau outlined some of his goals for the year to Pipe Dream (see page 5). In the same vein, we offer some goals of our own, with the onus not only on Landau, but the University administration, the rest of the SA and the student body at large.
Johnny on the spot
In general, when something goes wrong, it’s better to fix the problem immediately — not comically allow it to happen repeatedly. Last year, Binghamton University students’ personal information was leaked. Again. And then again. This year, the University can’t seem to keep the water running. Unexpected problems arise, but there’s no reason the same issue should crop up twice. Or thrice.
Interdepartmental communication
Students didn’t know that new IDs were not issued this semester, partly because of an allegedly lost e-mail. There are efforts in place to streamline BU: the Banner system is exemplary, though troubled early on. Too many offices — such as Student Accounts and Financial Aid — are still frustratingly separated. Banner’s a start — get the rest of the University centralized and on the same page.
Some love for the rest of us
BU is gaining more of a pre-professional atmosphere annually. The computer in the de facto journalism classroom in Library North was finally upgraded last year from a line of candy-colored iMacs that shared a debut with Dawson’s Creek to something functional. English graduate students are, and we do use the term relatively, overworked.
Meanwhile, a law school is in the works, and Binghamton grads are making more money than all but 10 public schools in the nation, according to a recent ranking. Except that number is all School of Management grads, and Tony Kornheiser. The career fair is more Ernst and Young than Simon and Schuster. Something’s amiss — Binghamton University wasn’t supposed to be Northeastern.
Dependability from the VPMA
Vice President for Multicultural Affairs Maryam Belly still stands on uneasy ground, thanks to her predecessors. David Redbord was the most recent in a series of VPMAs, dating to 2005, that destabilized a position designed to strengthen the community. We’re not asking this year’s VPMA to help Binghamton University embrace the same principles of diversity as a Quaker school, just to keep things steady.
A president’s presence
The last time President Lois DeFleur was spotted on campus was the last time the VPMA wasn’t embroiled in controversy. She appears to bask in the positive publicity, when there is some, but how about running into DeFleur while walking to Lecture Hall? Maybe when we get a football team.
Room to breathe
The Old University Union renovations are more than necessary, but as Landau foresees, problems with programming space will arise. We don’t know what the solution is, but we know that one (or several) can be found — with some initiative. The construction will benefit future classes, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of the current kids on the block.