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Students discuss control of campus
Cutting the wrestling team and a proposed UO police were hot topics at Monday night's forum
by Robert D'Andrea | News Reporter
More than 100 students filed in to 100 Willamette Monday night to hear presentations on a litany of grievances against the University administration as a part of the an event to take control of campus.
Supporters of the wrestling team joined those angered by the loss of Holy Cow restaurant in the EMU, international students upset about the dismissal of faculty, and students campaigning to make ethnic studies a University department.
They were joined by those concerned with the prospect of a proposed University police department with 25 to 55 officers and those who want to fund composting on campus. Student government representatives were also there to explain what the ASUO does and how it operates.
"The first step you can take is voting in ASUO elections," Elections Outreach Coordinator Andrew Jenson said. "Aside from that, if you really want to get involved, the elections are coming at the beginning of next term, and you could run."
Several student senators and Executive staff members were in attendance, as were many representatives of student programs who were allowed to attend the event in place of a mandatory Programs Council Meeting.
Senate Vice President Patrick Boye spoke about problems students have faced in trying to obtain information about the University's proposed new arena. He said the administration "became extremely frustrated with being asked questions by students."
Boye said that at the beginning of fall term, the University Senate, on which he sits as one of five student representatives, was talking about a University housing plan. He said the talks have stopped and focus has shifted to building the new arena and the use of Phil Knight's $100 million donation.
He said that students who went to Salem to testify before the Legislature convinced two state senators to vote against state bonds to finance the arena in a committee hearing.
"If 10 students can change two senators with two hours of preparation, think of what 100 of us can do," Boye said.
While other students expressed similar hopeful sentiments, there was at least one naysayer in the room.
Ryan McCarrel, a political science major, addressed the students left in the room at the end of all of the presentations and railed against the ASUO for not representing all of the student body. He said an institution outside of the ASUO was needed where all students could actively participate.
He was booed repeatedly and interrupted by Boye and others.
ASUO President Emily McLain said it sounded like McCarrel "wants a lot of the same stuff everybody else wants."
rdandrea@dailyemerald.com
Supporters of the wrestling team joined those angered by the loss of Holy Cow restaurant in the EMU, international students upset about the dismissal of faculty, and students campaigning to make ethnic studies a University department.
They were joined by those concerned with the prospect of a proposed University police department with 25 to 55 officers and those who want to fund composting on campus. Student government representatives were also there to explain what the ASUO does and how it operates.
"The first step you can take is voting in ASUO elections," Elections Outreach Coordinator Andrew Jenson said. "Aside from that, if you really want to get involved, the elections are coming at the beginning of next term, and you could run."
Several student senators and Executive staff members were in attendance, as were many representatives of student programs who were allowed to attend the event in place of a mandatory Programs Council Meeting.
Senate Vice President Patrick Boye spoke about problems students have faced in trying to obtain information about the University's proposed new arena. He said the administration "became extremely frustrated with being asked questions by students."
Boye said that at the beginning of fall term, the University Senate, on which he sits as one of five student representatives, was talking about a University housing plan. He said the talks have stopped and focus has shifted to building the new arena and the use of Phil Knight's $100 million donation.
He said that students who went to Salem to testify before the Legislature convinced two state senators to vote against state bonds to finance the arena in a committee hearing.
"If 10 students can change two senators with two hours of preparation, think of what 100 of us can do," Boye said.
While other students expressed similar hopeful sentiments, there was at least one naysayer in the room.
Ryan McCarrel, a political science major, addressed the students left in the room at the end of all of the presentations and railed against the ASUO for not representing all of the student body. He said an institution outside of the ASUO was needed where all students could actively participate.
He was booed repeatedly and interrupted by Boye and others.
ASUO President Emily McLain said it sounded like McCarrel "wants a lot of the same stuff everybody else wants."
rdandrea@dailyemerald.com
Viewing Comments 1 - 9 of 20
Jon
posted 3/04/08 @ 9:03 AM PST
It was unfortunate that none of the "blame," for students not being represented on campus, was put on our current student government. We have a student government to represent the students right? Why can't they make change? Why was this event run by the very people that have the power? And why were they telling us, us being uninvolved students, and we need to fix their system? Take Back Campus was a failure just like the special interest student government members we have in office right now. (Continued…)
J.O.
posted 3/04/08 @ 11:16 AM PST
This is the sort of shit you get when a bunch of kids want to relive the 1970s. The ASUO represents its own interests and with a bunch of inexperienced kids who don't live in the real world telling us what is best for us. (Continued…)
Ian
posted 3/04/08 @ 11:22 AM PST
I think it's clear that the main issue here is that the student voice in general is being ignored by the administration. Blaming the ASUO and the other student groups that put together the forum for these problems is rediculous. (Continued…)
Robert Kirkpatrick
posted 3/04/08 @ 5:45 PM PST
It was great to see all the energy and enthusiasm last night! Right now we need to focus on finals and making the most of spring break, we are students after all. (Continued…)
Ryan
posted 3/04/08 @ 8:08 PM PST
People just get so defensive these days. Its like we cant have a civil conversation anymore because people are unwilling to listen to each others ideas. (Continued…)
nicole
posted 3/04/08 @ 8:32 PM PST
a lot of you have some great thoughts on this. ever thought about writing for the Oregon Commentator? www.oregoncommentator.com
Phil
posted 3/04/08 @ 11:53 PM PST
No one should write for the Oregon Commentator, it is a pathetic excuse for a college publication. All they do is preach apathy to students instead of actually working to change the system they make fun of. (Continued…)
ryan
posted 3/05/08 @ 8:54 AM PST
I waited until it seemed as if no one else had any questions or comments. I think another problem is people say that I wasnt trying to be productive, but I dont really believe they were listening to what I had to say. (Continued…)
Scott
posted 3/09/08 @ 11:43 AM PST
I have an answer for all of you: University Studets should be treated a lot like high school students, and for many of the same reasons. They are categorical morons, and usually can't think past the snot at the end of their own noses, collectively or individually. (Continued…)
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