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Students discussed everything from the deterioration of grass near university sidewalks to the shortcomings of the sophomore living requirement at a first-of-its-kind open forum Tuesday evening.
Former WMUB News Director Gary Scott moderated the forum, which was organized by senior Jonathan Gair and co-sponsored by The Miami Student, College Republicans and College Democrats. Its intention was to allow students to voice concerns for the future of the university.
To open discussion, senior Mike Jensen mentioned his concerns on recent budget cuts for the Miami Debate Team.
"I was involved in debate for a long time, my whole time at Miami, and one of the things I was really concerned about was the cutting of the debate program," Jensen said. "(We were) competing at the highest level of debate, and now we're reducing the level of competition and beginning another type of debate that is much less competitive … and I don't really feel that shows how good of a student population we have here at Miami."
As he did much of the night, Scott played devil's advocate by asking the audience why students should care about the debate program. The topic of the discussion quickly transitioned to apathy among Miami's student body.
Sean Jacobson, Associated Student Government student senator, said he was worried decisions are being made by the administration without student input.
"I am bothered by the fact that a lot of decisions have been made by the university without hearing the students," Jacobson said. "Students need more of a voice."
Senior Sean Wright, co-president of College Democrats, said students need an outlet to discuss their problems among their peers.
"I think apathy only exists in our student body because students who are apathetic don't realize the implications of (their) decisions," Wright said. "I think we need to find a way for students themselves to discuss with their peers the implications of the decisions that we make."
Among those in attendance to hear student concerns were Provost Jeffrey Herbst and Associated Student Government (ASG) President-elect Jonathan McNabb.
When Scott asked McNabb to share his concerns, he said he was mostly interested in hearing what the general student body had to say.
"The real reason why I'm here is to hear concerns that other students have," McNabb said. "It's really important that we try to get involved with students and try to synthesize a lot of the problems we have around campus."
Other students who voiced concern at the forum included seniors Diogo Metz and Matt Sinko.
Metz, president of the Association of Jewish Students, said he was concerned about the difficulty of finding information about student organizations around campus.
Sinko voiced worries about the deterioration of the sidewalks and grass, and said he would like to see improvements to the general condition of campus.
Metz also said he was concerned the sophomore living requirement might be an issue for smaller fraternities.
Senior Alan Burke, vice president of promotion for the Miami University Student Foundation, said he was frustrated with the amount of red tape it takes to get things like table tents and room reservations approved by the administration. He recommended having a person available to help students with their questions and concerns.
After an hour of discussion on a wide-variety of issues, Scott concluded the forum by urging students to take action on the affairs that interest them.
"To counter the concern that students are too apathetic, do something," Scott said. "Get your ducks in a row and do something. Don't just come to a forum like this and complain. Do something."
Gair also asked students to take value from the forum experience and to share what they heard with friends.
"Talk to your friends about this," Gair said. "Tell them you had a good discussion, and I hope you do see that (other) students have the same concerns."
