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September 10, 2007 —
Not long ago, SVSU adopted a new motto: "Something More, Something Better." Many people (myself included) didn't really know what this meant when the phrase was unveiled. But SVSU has finally shown me what it means. I believe the University has lived up to its motto and shown its commitment to the statement with the great effort that it has put into solving SVSU's recurring issue with on-campus smoking.
From what I've seen, the on-campus smoking issue could be likened to the Iraq War for the University - it's an issue that seems to get a reaction out of everyone, and will likely never reach a satisfactory conclusion. This has caused a fair amount of frustration from both sides of the issue, and a lot of grumbling around campus.
The smokers want to have the freedom to enjoy a cigarette between class without undue harassment. The non-smokers want to enjoy a stroll to their classroom without walking through the clouds of smoke. Both sides have legitimate reasoning, but the current situation was just not satisfactory for either side.
Current rules say that smokers can't light up any closer than 25 feet from any campus building. Non-smokers argue that the rule isn't enforced. Smokers say the rule is unfair and limits their right to enjoy a cigarette. After awhile, all of the arguments seem like variations on a central theme. And all of the arguments, in my opinion, were going nowhere fast. Then SVSU had a great idea - if we're going to argue, why not put all of the dialogue on an open forum for all SVSU students?
To this end, a discussion board was posted on SVSU's homepage to allow for both sides of the issue to leave their thoughts and suggestions. As this paper goes to the printer, the site is reaching the end of the discussions. But from what I have seen so far, the board has already generated responses from hundreds of SVSU students.
But why is this something more, something better? Is it really that amazing to put up a discussion board? Maybe it isn't, but I think the idea behind the board is commendable. With this discussion, the SVSU administration is offering to take the opinions of the students seriously, and telling us that they need our help. They are going above and beyond to make sure that the students are involved in the solution.
On the other hand, they are also sending the message that we are partially responsible for settling this dispute in a manner that will leave the majority of us happy. It's too early to say whether the board brought up any more than the same old arguments, but I hope that at least a couple good ideas were left for consideration. If the entire student population can't collectively come up with a solution, then we have a problem.
This situation also brings to light a similar outlet for the student opinion, the President's Forum. Once a month, University President Eric Gilbertson holds an open forum for the entire student body. Whether it is concerns, problems, complaints or praise, Gilbertson, as well as members of the administration, are available to listen. And from what I've seen at these meetings, no concern is taken lightly or ignored. Gilbertson does a commendable job of listening and making an effort to address the issue.
Unfortunately, these meetings traditionally have a small attendance, and few issues are addressed. It's a waste, if you ask me. If a discussion board can create beneficial dialogue, imagine what could happen at a well-attended President's Forum.
So hats off to the University for working toward a real solution in the ongoing smoking debate. Finally I can see that we're becoming a university that is truly something more, something better.