From the editor
September 28, 2005
Matthew Jenkins
“Where there is much desire to learn, there of necessity will be much arguing, much writing, many opinions; for opinion in good men is but knowledge in the making.” - John Milton, Areopagitica
A lot has changed since you’ve been gone: Trinity Western University has continued to evolve along its path of becoming the premier faith-based university in North America. This summer we’ve acquired a new building, a new Masters program, and there are even rumours that by the end of the year we’ll have a new set of community standards. By next summer, we’ll have a new president. Construction, growth, and change are everywhere, and the best thing about it is that you have the exquisite opportunity of being a part of it all.
Eighty to eighty-five percent of this university’s budget is funded by tuition dollars. Students are the most important stakeholders this university has. The administration knows this and must be applauded for their desire to open communication and to keep us aware of the latest decisions. I think it is only fair that we return the favor and let them be aware of where we stand. Not in a spirit of dissension, not with covert murmurings, but with purposeful, constructive, and open dialogue in the spirit of the God whom we serve.
Opinions can be nasty, brutish things; brandished in fear and aggression they often harm more than they help. But in a forum moderated by an underlying sense of mutual respect and an earnestness to seek the truth, they are, as Milton says, “but knowledge in the making.” Attempts to understand and convey what is right and noble and true should never be quashed, and in a place like TWU, they are quite encouraged. This became apparent in a recent independent survey, in which students at TWU were way more likely to agree with statements like “my professors encourage students to participate in class,” and “I feel free to turn to some of my professors for advice on personal matters.” Way more likely: 73% of TWU students agree with that last statement, compared to the national average of 38%.
Your ideas are vital, both inside the classroom and out, because TWU is still a community in the making. Different perspectives are essential to finding new solutions for changing communities, and this year change is everywhere. As James Moes pointed out, this is “a year where the ever-evolving identity of Trinity Western University will be made manifest.”
So don’t be afraid to speak up: The administration is eager to establish open lines of communication, but they need your help. The professors want to hear what you have to say. Student Council is doing everything they can to get your input. And we’re listening too.
Mars’ Hill was the place in ancient Athens where the people would get together to discuss the latest developments whether civic, political, or economic. We want to be the same thing: the place where students can meet together and swap opinions about the latest academic events, the latest administrative decisions, the latest budget choices. These are the decisions that will irrevocably shape your undergraduate education.
Drop us a line sometime and tell us where you’re at. Better yet, drop by (we’re the office in the mail centre with the loud music). Good opinions are good for you. And they’re good for this changing community you’re a part of. We’re here to help you get heard.
Now you go...
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