Our View: Student apathy detrimental to CSULB

The role of president is an essential position universities must have in order to improve and maintain a school. A president can either lead a university into prosperity or permanently tarnish its reputation as an institute of higher learning.

The qualifications necessary to be president are rigorous and would overwhelm most people. A president must be charismatic, intelligent, dedicated and willing to make personal sacrifices. The quality of education, the financial stability and the maintenance of a school’s appearance are all responsibilities the students entrust to the university president.

President Robert C. Maxson exceeded everyone’s expectations and made Cal State Long Beach a respected university among the intellectual community. CSULB exceeds the stigma many people associate with state schools and is highly regarded among many scholars. The campus abounds in beauty, both from the prominent sculptures and the vibrant landscaping partially due to Maxson’s active role as university president.

Unfortunately, Maxson has chosen to retire from his position and it has become the role of both the students and faculty to determine his successor.

Despite the important role a president plays in the running of a university, many students are not involving themselves in the process of choosing the next president. Most are unaware of the opportunities available for students, faculty and community members to participate in the election process.

A series of discussions is being held in various places around campus this week. Unfortunately, students are not making the effort to attend these meetings.

The chance to meet and discuss policy issues with a candidate for president can be extremely advantageous and offers students considerable insight regarding a candidate’s vision for the future.

Students should be well informed about the goals of these potential presidents. By maintaining an apathetic stance, students are jeopardizing the quality of their education and overall college experience.

Many students argue they are pressed for time and simply cannot spare a single minute to attend these gatherings. Some complain about the treacherous journey across campus through the mild Californian rain required to attend these events.

Whatever excuse produced to avoid these meetings, stop and consider whether or not sparing a sliver of your day is worth the future of your college experience. Involving yourself in the decision for the new university president could enhance the time you spend at CSULB.

The new president will be responsible not only for the students of this generation, but for the quality of education for the generations to come. Many alumni take pride in saying they are CSULB graduates because of the plethora of positive traits people associate with our university.We the students need to ensure that we will look back at our college experience with nostalgia and honor.

Much of that responsibility lies with the president of the university.It is paramount to the future of CSULB to elect someone well qualified for the job. Too often students undercut the value of their own opinion. Students need to make their voices heard in order for the administration to be able to conform its course of action to the needs of the student body.

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