In my three years here, I can generally say that Tufts is an amazing place. The students and faculty all make this place the unique institution that it is. I would be lying, though, if I said that there were no problems here.
One of the biggest problems at Tufts is the disillusionment of the students. Little things upset students, but most feel like they can do nothing to solve the problems. However, this is not the case at all, and the Senate needs to make people realize that those little problems can be solved if we all work together. The Senate is mostly responsible for this feeling. We have done a better job this year of both reaching out to students, and getting others involved in projects. The Cultural Coordinating Committee was a Senate initiative that largely involved non-Senators. This committee was able to come together and work on problems that plague various communities. The Senate also tried to reach out with tabling in Dewick, Carmichael, and the campus center.
The Senate needs to work harder, though. Students should not come to us; we should go to them. Dorm programs with the Senate would be a great way for senators to get out there and talk to people about issues in a less formal environment. In addition, I would like to see senators attending organization events on a regular basis. The Senate needs to know how student organizations function and show support for all of the programs put on by organizations.
In addition to students' voices being heard more by the Senate, student voices need to be heard by the administration as well. Currently, students, mostly senators, sit on Student/Faculty committees. These committees make policy recommendations to the administration on various issues, such as financial aid, information technology, athletics, and curricula. Some students on these committees do not get to vote. On all of the committees, there are many more faculty seats than there are student seats. With a situation like this, it will be impossible to ever get policies that students want, such as a change in the world civilizations requirement, since the faculty are against such a measure. Students and faculty should have an equal number of seats on these committees, to ensure that the administration hears a balanced view.
Another major problem involves our various facilities on campus. Tufts is a research institution, but many of our classrooms lack in so many ways. We sit at old desks, in rooms that haven't seen a paint job in ages. Going beyond that, Tufts needs to update the technology in these classrooms, so that professors can teach to their full ability and make use of today's advances in technology. It is only by updating these facilities that Tufts students will be able to receive the finest education possible.
One area in dire need of attention is the music and performance facility, or lack thereof. We have New England Conservatory students, students who are music majors or minors, and drama students, not to mention about 15 student organizations involved in the performance arts. With all of these groups vying for space, Aidekman is neither sufficient nor in good enough condition. Tufts needs to continue fundraising for a performance space facility. Even if the money is not there for a new, three-story building, perhaps a small building with an additional concert hall could be built near Cohen in order to alleviate some of the scheduling stress.
The final problem I see with Tufts today is the general lack of pride that abounds on this campus. This is an amazing place to spend four years, and students need to be made more aware of everything this place has to offer. Career services should make an increased effort to publicize events, so that Tufts students realize that a degree from this institution is actually worth something upon graduation. Tufts also has amazing sports teams, both on the varsity and club level. But the only advertising for these sports events comes from a tiny booklet printed at the beginning of each semester and from the Spirit Coalition. TUSC should not be responsible for promoting every sporting event on campus. The emphasis should be from the athletic department. If our own athletics office does not have enough pride in our teams to advertise them sufficiently, why should students have pride in the teams and go to games? Every effort must be made on the part of the athletic department to support and endorse our teams.
These are a few of the problems that I see as important to the Tufts community. Fortunately, with some hard work, these problems can eventually be solved. If we all work together as a community, Tufts can be left a better place then we found it.
Michelle Shelton is a junior majoring in psychology. She is the Vice President of the TCU Senate and a candidate for president
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