Chancellor James Oblinger delivered a positive and uplifting message last Thursday at the first State of N.C. State address. He highlighted corporate partnerships and emphasized that N.C. State is “Innovation in Action.” He told the story of companies coming to Centennial Campus and researchers changing the world with their discoveries.
Noticeably absent from the speech was sustained mention of the student body — he failed to address what N.C. State was like for the average student on a daily basis. This is not to detract from Oblinger’s remarks, as faculty and businesses may not be directly concerned with the day to day life of your average undergraduate. It was great to hear how N.C. State reached its Achieve campaign months before the deadline or how the legislature is investing in new capital projects, but at any university, the students are the lifeblood that keep the University vibrant.
The student body is filled with dedicated, innovative and creative individuals. Student Government officials are diligently working to appropriate money to student groups. Student Senate President Greg Doucette has given the student body a stronger voice concerning fees by using vote.ncsu.edu to poll students. Despite their efforts to reach the average student, the student body seems apathetic. In a Facebook group designed to advertise the vote on Oct. 1 and 2, more people have declined the invitation than accepted. Our leaders are passionate, but need more interest in their activities.
Campus life is good. You can always find people playing volleyball on Tucker Beach and the gym is consistently packed with students. However, after 8 p.m., the options become more limited. Student theater and UAB do a good job of bringing entertaining movies to campus, but it is an outrage that a safety plan to get Talley Student Center back open for student parties has not happened sooner. A blanket policy on alcohol has had a negative effect on the College of Design’s Halloween Bash and senior celebration events. Campus life is enjoyable, but students need more fun and creative social activities.
Greek Life is expanding with a new chapter of Tri Delta coming to campus this fall. Each year Greeks perform service and raise money for charity with events such as Sigma Chi’s Derby Days or Delta Gamma’s Anchor Splash. Yet, chapters keep moving off of Greek Court and people maintain the stereotype that all Greeks do is party. Greek Life is strong, but it needs more support from the campus as a whole.
Academically, students are challenged and supported. There are multiple tutoring centers available on a daily basis, staffed with knowledgeable individuals. But too many freshmen must utilize the retake policy, and not enough take advantage of other resources available. Our students are intelligent, but need to take more initiative and responsibility.
The stories of N.C. State students are good ones. Most have more positive stories to tell than negative ones, but in order to truly be innovators, students and administrators alike must strive to turn a good thing into a great one, to not be satisfied with the status quo, to think outside the box, to lead in unchartered directions. Chancellor Oblinger, this is our story, will you listen?
Tell us your story by e-mailing us at [email protected].
