University of Dallas News

Issue date: 4/15/08 Section: Commentary

Media Credit: Tristan Decker George (Dylan Key) and Emily (Audrey Ahern) share a moment in Mr. Morgan's drugstore, in UD's production of "Our Tower."

Media Credit: Tristan Decker Emily (Audrey Ahern) beseeches the Stage Manager (James Mackenzie) to let her go back to the real world.

Harvard, 372 yrs old. University of Texas 125 yrs old. Southern Methodist, 97 yrs old. University of Dallas, only 52 yrs old. This precocious institution may seem like a rock, with its stabilizing roots adhering to ancient Athens and Rome, but it is actually a priceless plaster sculpture just now hardening in the sun. There is still room to mold, and we as the editorial board of The University News have some ideas to increase its value, for all those who choose the best piece in the gallery of universities.

Needs: First, the school should create email notifications for write-ups. The write-ups, UD lingo for behavior notification, have a policy that unless one contacts Student Life within three days of the letter being put in the student's mailbox there is an immediate and irrevocable fine. No student checks his mailbox consistently every three days, and many write-ups do not come until weeks after an incident to a student who did not know he was receiving one. This problem could be quickly remedied with an email sent out by Student Life upon putting the letter in the mailbox.

Wants: First, better internet access around campus. More wireless hotspots can increase student productivity and build community. Right now some of the best quiet study spots on campus, the Gorman lecture halls for example, do not offer wireless internet. The increasingly pressing need for Internet access, even sites other than Facebook, confines students to their rooms when they could be engaged in study groups. Expanded hotspots can create more open study areas for those crowded out by the late-night caffeine hawks at the Cap Bar.

Second, a reformed system for club funding. The current system is that clubs must fundraise twenty-five percent of what they spend, but at UD where participation in a club already strains the limit of free time, fundraising is often the last thing a club wants to do. The Phone-athon is but one way fundraising event.

Third, a concession stand open 9:00 p.m. to midnight. After 9:00 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, campus ministry offers free food in Anselm, but this great service cannot often meet the late-night cravings during TGIT or on the weekends. The Maher Athletic Center already has a concession stand for use during intercollegiate games, and we could use that as the second fundraiser for clubs. Clubs would staff the concession stand for a night, and all of the profits made would go towards the club's fundraising goal. The concession stand could sell fruit and hot food that vending machines cannot match in taste or nutrition.

Fourth, student government to take an authoritative role speaking out for the students. For example, when Cindy Sheehan the anti-war protestor came to campus the majority of the students opposed the visit and created such fervor that over two hundred and fifty people were interested enough to attend either the protest party or her speech. Student government could have taken a stand and influenced the event to be one that benefited the student body, one where students could actually ask question about her beliefs and examine the anti-war position critically.

Fifth, conversation classes in the languages. Even after fulfilling the core requirement of languages many students do not reach fluency. A reviving of conversational classes could provide a comfortable environment for practicing common terms and conversation topics for use in traveling and international business.

Sixth, more student support for sports. The athletes of this campus devote time and effort towards their athletic pursuits. They put on an entertaining show and represent UD admirably. Student government can increase attendance through better advertising or incentives like best fan awards and cook-outs.

Wishes: First, better lights on the rugby field. Intramural football and soccer games are usually eye-strainers, and the rugby players might look a little less beaten if they could see where they are tackling each other.

Second, concrete auditorium seating for the soccer field. As is currently being discussed, part of the hill bordering the soccer field can be cut out and large concrete steps for seating could be constructed into the hill, beautifying the athletic complex and providing a drier and sprinkler-free seating area.

Third, cover for the baseball field seating. As much as fans want a tan in the early stages of summer watching the baseball games, a cover would protect from the heat and increase attendance.

In only half a century the University of Dallas has become one of the premier universities in America, just think of what we can continue to do to perfect it.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools