Between all of my friendships with Student Senators and reporting I’ve done, I have spoken to many people about the direction of Ashland University. Although each person has some slight changes in opinions, there is one consensus that can be drawn; Ashland is at a crossroads moment.

There is a lot going on here that aggravates students. Budget cuts, outdated policies or a big core are common complaints from students, but they are typically voiced in a defeated tone. Students don’t seem to think they have a voice, or that they can make some real changes to Ashland University.

Fact is, lots of change is coming. We will have a new President soon, and the Board of Trustees has been forming planning committees to evaluate every aspect of the University.

I imagine they will find what many of us students have realized. There are problems here, of course, but the fundamental purpose of this University is being achieved. I have not encountered a single bad professor, and even my least favorite professors still have a genuine interest in teaching students at a high level. This is still a great place, and I couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else.

Yet that is no free ride from criticism. Ashland University has some serious problems that, if not addressed, will begin to destroy the University. Changes are coming, but that is no reason to be silent as a student. We are Ashland University, more than professors or administrators or the buildings themselves. If change is coming, we ought to be a serious part of it.

There are a couple of different ways to get involved. On a very simple level, vote in the Student Senate elections Monday and Tuesday. Deciding whom your elected representatives will be is an important thing, but it shouldn’t stop there. Each Senate meeting is open to anyone who has an opinion to voice. Students can ask questions, provide answers or even write resolutions for Senate to consider. All but two Senate elections are uncontested, so throw your hat into the ring and see what comes of it. There is limitless potential for student involvement.

There is plenty to complain about, but no effective change will come without student involvement. In order to preserve the things we love about Ashland University, we must express what direction we want our University to go. We can do that in Senate, or we can go right to administrators with things we like or things we would like to see changed. The crucial thing is to realize there are channels for frustrations, and using those channels is the best way to ensure Ashland can fulfill its mission of excellence.