Editor:
I am a student studying liberal arts here at the University of Utah, and I couldn’t agree more with what James Seaman had to say in his Oct. 22 opinion column, “Genuine Liberal Arts Education Unattainable at U,” about the university’s attitude toward the liberal arts.
He is absolutely right that students often take a back seat to professors and their research pursuits. He nailed it right on the head in suggesting that student class schedules don’t accommodate students who are interested in actively pursuing extracurricular academic growth.
He was also very accurate in expressing that most lectures and forums are presented with only graduate students and professors in mind.
My purpose in writing this letter, however, is not to laud Seaman for his incredibly accurate insight on the lackluster liberal arts program within this institution. My intent, rather, is to make a plea to the student body to stand up and ultimately take the reigns of responsibility for making this university into what they would like to see it become.
Why do we criticize the faculty and the state for looking out for their own interests? Protection and promotion of one’s self interest is not a bad thing. In fact, it is a natural reflex that almost all living things have instilled within them.
It is the instinct which aims at survival, and it is generally the driving principle that has resulted in many of mankind’s greatest achievements.
However, it is a power that, if left unchecked, can also result in unprecedented and heinous consequences.
The founding fathers of this governmental system, which we live under today, recognized the potential benefit that human ambition could offer society, yet they also realized that this ambition could not be left unchecked.
Therefore, they established a system of governance that is based upon a balance of powers. Each power entity is given the responsibility to curb the powers of the other entities.
It is this system of checks and balances that has channeled human ambition in a way that has made this country into the great presence that it is in the world today.
But why should you care about checks and balances anyway?
Because, fellow students, there are no checks and balances between students and faculty at this university.
The faculty and administration at this institution traditionally have been able to do whatever the hell they want without the threat of facing a check of opposition from the student body.
Why is that?
Is it because there is a corrupt system established at this university that empowers the administration with ultimate control?
Or, perhaps it is the result of some back-room conspiracy aimed at the ultimate enslavement and misery of students at the U?
Or, maybe, just maybe, it is the result of having a student body that has become accustom to getting whatever they want, whenever they want, without having to expend any time or effort?
Students, contrary to what many would like to believe, the administration does not have ultimate control over you, and there is not a secret society within its ranks intent on bringing misery into your lives.
The fact of the matter is that student apathy is the ultimate reason that student interests are not taken seriously.
Systems are in place and programs have already been established that offer students a powerful voice of opposition to anything that they feel is encroaching upon their own interests.
The problem is that none of these systems are ever utilized, and none of the programs ever receive substantial student support.
Every year, criticism of the university flows abundantly forth from students within classroom conversations and editorials written within this publication.
However, Student Advisory Committees continually struggle to find membership, and virtually all of the student organizations on this campus are run by the same small circle of interested students.
If you want to make a difference at this university, don’t just sit on your butt and complain about your situation. Do something!
One of the greatest educations that you will ever gain is knowledge of how to utilize your own ability in getting great things accomplished. I encourage anyone who gives a damn to get involved in making a difference.
Contact your department and find out how to get involved on your Student Advisory Committee, or contact your dean and find out how you can get involved in your College Student Council.
These are both organizations designed to specifically address the academic concerns that students may have within their college or department. Only when ambition is combined with action will results truly be achieved.
I, like many of you, want nothing more than to see this university blossom into an institution where all students can feel as if they are truly reaping the benefits of a quality education.
I would particularly like all of the various fields of study at the U to become something that students not only feel excited to learn about but also feel privileged to be a part of.
However, I know that unless students actually step up and take responsibility for getting involved in the direction of this university, we can in no way expect things to make any sort of improvement.
Please, give a damn, because if we don’t, no one else will.
Sam Swenson, Student Senator, College of Humanities