Students will be able to voice their opinions on the future priorities of Miami University during a first-of-its-kind open forum at 5 p.m., Tuesday, March 31 in 128 Pearson Hall.
Organized by senior Jonathan Gair, the forum will allow students to share their thoughts on a variety of issues facing the university.
According to Gair, the goal is to provide a diverse crowd of Miami students to talk about university issues.
"The point is to bring together people who have stakes in different areas of the university and with different activities," Gair said. "(We want to hear) the things that are going well, areas where there are problems and major concerns (that students) have."
According to Gair, topics of discussion will be based solely on what the students find most important to Miami at this time.
"It could take the form of a discussion on institutional priorities, academic standards, classes, budget cuts or anything else," Gair said. "There is no right or wrong end-goal for the forum because what's important is having an open discussion in a way that I don't think we've had as a student body."
Jonathan McNabb, Associated Student Government vice president for student organizations, agreed discussion among students can be an effective way to address comments and concerns about Miami.
"I think it's always good to have conversation," McNabb said. "It's going to be helpful (to hear) what students want to see out of their Miami experience."
McNabb said he sees involvement in the forum as a way for students to help the university set priorities for the future.
"Especially in our financial situation I think it's important to have priorities," McNabb said. "I think by having conversation we can begin to set priorities that reflect what students want to see here at Miami both now and 5 to 10 years down the road."
According to Gair, students who understand the concept have reacted positively to the idea of an open forum.
"I think a lot of people are really curious because nothing like this has ever happened," Gair said. "But when people realize that this isn't just a forum for students (who are) grabbing the pitchforks, but also for average students to voice minor concerns, they get excited."
First-year student Ryan Schuerger agreed an open dialogue among students would be beneficial.
"I think it's a great idea to have an open discussion that allows students to express their opinions," Schuerger said. "It enables students to take control of their Miami experience."
Ultimately, McNabb said he is interested in hearing a variety of viewpoints from students who choose to attend.
"I hope for a good turnout of people who want to be engaged," McNabb said. "I look forward to hearing from other students."
For more information regarding the forum, visit Gair's Facebook.com event page titled "Student-to-student forum on Miami's future."
