The Montage Editorial Board speaks out about the occurrences that have happened on campus and ask the students to rise and take pride in STLCC-Meramec.
By: The Montage Editorial Board
Why do students choose Meramec?
Perhaps it is the award-winning faculty, resources and opportunities. We are the best four-year experience one can find at a two-year institution.
What if our teachers were so afraid to lose their jobs that they assigned a semester full of worksheets and disengaging material rather than providing their students with hands-on opportunities which could have offered them real-life experience and face time with potential employers?
What if the clubs and organizations that nurture and develop personal and professional development ceased?
Where would our school be if our student government had such a high turn over rate that administrators took over the resources offered to students?
The truth is that these things are becoming a reality and students are standing by watching their community diminish into a corporate-run technical college.
Do not let this happen.
Currently the full-time faculty who work hard for your well-rounded education and stay late to mentor and lead clubs and organizations are living in a cloud of fear. Their jobs are at stake and the alternative is adjunct faculty members who require less pay, less benefits, and less time on campus.
Less time on campus means fewer clubs and resources. It means the print lab is closing early. The library and cafeteria already close early, denying evening students literal or physical nourishment; thus diminishing productivity.
There was once a time when acts like The Grateful Dead and The Carpenters were brought in by students and faculty. The Student Center used to be a home away from home for students to convene and assemble; now students are shooed away by 8 p.m.
This is your school. Take it back. Demand to be heard. Demand your community.
In 2010, a leader stepped down when the students stepped up. They stood behind the merit of their school and their educators through an unjust action.
We can do this now.
Do you know our President George Wasson? You should. Know him, tell him your concerns and send him your petitions. Meet your student representatives and consider becoming one. Rally at board meetings. Let your voice be heard. Our school’s future is important and so are you.
Take a stand.
