This week marks the halfway point of the semester, but as we move into the homestretch, I’d like to challenge the student body and student government to exercise more than just the traditional discussions about how we may continue to improve the Rensselaer experience. Yes, the Redhawk Shuttle System may seem critical in our little world, but shouldn’t we be more worried about the economic challenges facing our national transit systems, particularly our airlines that have struggled to stay afloat since September 11. Yes, sometimes poster-plastering efforts on this campus seem suppressed under the current Institute sign policy, but shouldn’t we also be worried about the information—or lack thereof—presented by the mass media? The building security protocols being implemented across campus have caused a lot of chatter, but where was the discussion when your grandma was strip-searched on her cross-country excursion to bring you homemade cookies?
America is heavily engaged in a global war on terror with far-reaching and complex impacts. Few student-led conversations have occurred on our campus to consider these effects. So the question I pose to you this week is: Where is the conversation considering all the challenges in the world today?
Everyone graduating from Rensselaer expects that they will find a job after paying for an expensive education. The fact is, your job is not guaranteed just by attending Rensselaer. Your future depends on so much more than just having a degree. You ought to be talking about the current state of our economy. How is America’s industrial production? (We’ve seen the biggest drop in 23 years due to the recent hurricanes.) How are retail sales? (Up slightly in September.) What is America’s job market like? (We’re seeing the first decline in two years, although Katrina has muddied the picture.) How is American manufacturing? (We saw big gains in September.) Consumer confidence? (Near a two-year low.) The leading indicators all point to a slowdown in economic growth. This should not startle any of you, but it ought to be discussed. It’s your future at stake and we are the ones that must address these issues for future generations.
During the current RPI administration’s tenure, we’ve seen national business and government leaders visit our campus to talk about some of these issues, but we’ve never been able to attract the kind of student participation at these events that one would expect. At the same time, for fear of only half-filling a larger room, we’ve crammed participants into the small Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies auditorium on a number of occasions. Unfortunately, the room is so small that the few students that do show up are turned away to satellite locations rather than having the chance to take part in the conversation directly. I don’t mean to get bogged down on this side issue since it is already being addressed; my point is, however, that student interest in domestic and foreign issues is extremely lagging and it’s apparent at major campus events.
I understand that our students live busy lives with the rigorous academic requirements of an RPI education. I do too, but we need to take the time to consider the bigger picture.
Rather than hearing the same old complaints that the Commons ran out of two percent before you got your Cocoa Puffs, I’d love to hear someone come knocking on my door to complain that our Student Union lacks a forum board, a forensics team, or more political organizations to help foster this atmosphere. Maybe this deficiency is the fault of the current policy of the Union that prevents the funding of such organizations and if that is the case, I urge the Student Senate, who sets such policy, to consider an overhaul.
Something tells me, though, that it is about more than funding. The Ecologic Club has been extremely visible in their noble pursuit of a sustainable world ever since I arrived on campus, not because they receive a small subsidy from our Union Executive Board, but because they have a true passion for what they are achieving. I endlessly applaud their efforts. Likewise, the Rensselaer College Republicans, who receive no subsidy, have been heard loud and clear across the entire state in their noble pursuits. It’s great to see some of our fellow students taking part so actively in our democratic system.
It is also clear that not all Rensselaer students need to be addressed on this issue. Many of our students are indeed highly versed on the global and national social issues of our time. For those that aren’t, my message is clear. When it comes to thinking globally, we just don’t compete like we should. Let’s change that for starters, and then focus on changing the world.
