Anyone who has been monitoring UT politics over the past five months, specifically the issues centering on the state of the College of Arts and Sciences, is probably suffering from vertigo by now. The constantly expanding retinue of characters in this proverbial soap opera has been amazing in itself, let alone the constant barrage of changes to the storyline. From student protesters, to administrators, blog facilitators, a faculty senate and councils, to a higher education consulting firm, these increasingly complex proceedings come to resemble more of a "Lost" episode everyday.
The newest player to take the stage, though, is looking to do more clarification than complication - hopefully, at least. Student Government - not exactly known to date for being the most productive student organization on campus - has taken a refreshingly clear-headed and constructive role by attempting to conduct formal public interviews with upper-level administrators.
This tangled web of strategic initiatives, a chancellor of education, executive committees, budgets and expenditures needs some unraveling - especially now that classes are starting. Who has time to keep up with all of this when you have to study Descartes, Buddhism, biochemistry, calculus or contemporary Canadian politics?
The group from Student Senate, including Ken Evans, Noah Gillespie and Aaron Dau, has a unique opportunity as student representatives to ask administrators what they have planned for the CAS and other colleges, how the proposed centers of excellence will affect education at UT, etc.
The plan has even got support from Zauyah Waite, Student Government adviser and dean of students, who has undoubtedly experienced a number of headaches in the past because of SG.
With any luck, this effort will help to shed some light on this collegiate quagmire. Kudos to these senators for their initiative and willingness to work for students.
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