Editorial: Going 'on the record,' and why it rocks
Issue date: 9/16/09 Section: Opinions
Here at the Echo, we take our role as a major voice on the Hill very seriously. Each week, we strive to facilitate better understanding on campus between students, staff and administrators. In short, we're here to create better transparency and better communication for all; but we can't do it alone.
In a letter to the College Community in August, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Jim Terhune wrote, "I have asked the Office of Campus Life to convene a representative group of students to review and make appropriate changes to the housing selection process. Specifically, the group will be working to identify ways to increase transparency in the process and ensure greater equity for all students over their four years in student housing."
While Terhune was speaking specifically about the greater need for improved disclosure about what goes into the housing process, we think this concept could easily be expanded to include other areas of the College, including expenditures, athletics, academics and security.
It's frustrating for our writers at the Echo when we attempt to get quotes or information from individuals who are less than inclined to be fully open with our reader base- you. This is especially the case when we are tackling sensitive issues that are difficult to talk about. Think about it, if everyone went "on record," wouldn't our conversations on campus be a lot more engaging? More truthful? Potentially more productive? Couldn't we more easily reach the goals of campus unity and understanding we keep hoping for each year?
It is measures like the one proposed by Terhune which can be seen as one small step toward the overall goal of greater accountability and improved transparency on campus. However, this goal is reliant on everyone being more open. It is the students and staff who must be willing and brave enough to voice their opinions, regardless of potential backlash; and certainly, communication cannot be successful if the administration is not willing to disclose their policies and perceptions in full.
On such a small college campus, why are decisions and plans being made behind closed doors? We recognize for example that it is a challenge to be up front when an idea or initiative is still on the drawing board, but articulating intentions will only ensure a better product in the end. Rarely at Colby is something created for the need of a single person, so communal input is advantageous and could prevent conflict of interest. Honesty and communication also create an environment where people can trust and be trusted.
At the Echo, we are not here to gossip; we are here to report what you tell us. You are the news, we're the vessel that delivers it. So be brave, go on the record, and help the campus conversation become more productive. Help us, help you, to improve communication on campus this year and create greater overall transparency for students, staff and administrators alike.
In a letter to the College Community in August, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Jim Terhune wrote, "I have asked the Office of Campus Life to convene a representative group of students to review and make appropriate changes to the housing selection process. Specifically, the group will be working to identify ways to increase transparency in the process and ensure greater equity for all students over their four years in student housing."
While Terhune was speaking specifically about the greater need for improved disclosure about what goes into the housing process, we think this concept could easily be expanded to include other areas of the College, including expenditures, athletics, academics and security.
It's frustrating for our writers at the Echo when we attempt to get quotes or information from individuals who are less than inclined to be fully open with our reader base- you. This is especially the case when we are tackling sensitive issues that are difficult to talk about. Think about it, if everyone went "on record," wouldn't our conversations on campus be a lot more engaging? More truthful? Potentially more productive? Couldn't we more easily reach the goals of campus unity and understanding we keep hoping for each year?
It is measures like the one proposed by Terhune which can be seen as one small step toward the overall goal of greater accountability and improved transparency on campus. However, this goal is reliant on everyone being more open. It is the students and staff who must be willing and brave enough to voice their opinions, regardless of potential backlash; and certainly, communication cannot be successful if the administration is not willing to disclose their policies and perceptions in full.
On such a small college campus, why are decisions and plans being made behind closed doors? We recognize for example that it is a challenge to be up front when an idea or initiative is still on the drawing board, but articulating intentions will only ensure a better product in the end. Rarely at Colby is something created for the need of a single person, so communal input is advantageous and could prevent conflict of interest. Honesty and communication also create an environment where people can trust and be trusted.
At the Echo, we are not here to gossip; we are here to report what you tell us. You are the news, we're the vessel that delivers it. So be brave, go on the record, and help the campus conversation become more productive. Help us, help you, to improve communication on campus this year and create greater overall transparency for students, staff and administrators alike.
Be the first to comment on this story