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For the past two months, I’ve covered the accreditation process through the Capacity and Preparatory Review Report, which consists of six essays that focus on the welfare of students, faculty and the campus.
Yet, I am compelled to note the seeming lack of interest, and lack of knowledge, regarding the accreditation process. Who is to blame for this? Should we point our fingers at the University of Hawai‘i administration, who some feel lack accountability? Or should we blame our representative bodies, Chartered Student Organizations (CSOs) such as ASUH?
The answer may be found in rugged individualism, the notion that the individual, regardless of their surroundings, will do whatever is necessary to succeed. This allows the individual to use their own skills and determination. Unfortunately, however, this is selfish.
This individualistic attitude fails to account for the well-being of other individuals and the community as a whole. John F. Kennedy said it best in his famous inaugural address: “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.”
If we apply this to our own university, we can say that students must use their hard work and determination to furthering the institution.
In a previous Ka Leo article, senior economics major Megan Chock said, “A student’s primary job is to be a student.”
I respectfully disagree.
The primary job of students should be to commit themselves with fervent dedication to this institution, exemplified by CSOs like ASUH, which, in my opinion, does an excellent job trying to rally students.
After reviewing the Capacity Report and Institutional Proposal, I feel the administration is dedicated to students in the face of fiscal troubles.
The blame, then, lies within ourselves, our failure to observe, analyze and innovate. We lack passion for new concepts, programs and responses.
Of course, this is a generalization. Many students participate in the Registered Independent Organizations on campus, and many more students engage in activities that promote campus unity.
However, this is still insufficient. Why not read the Capacity and Preparatory Review Report or the Institutional Proposal? They may be wordy documents, but they’re directly affecting your future. Easier still, why not read the e-mails the administration and ASUH send out, and take some time to participate?
I understand that academics are a top priority, but it shouldn’t be No. 1. The furthering of one’s own knowledge is extremely important, but we must consider the well-being of the entire campus.
The ideal student will be able to look back at their years at UH, and know that they, as an individual, made a profound, positive change on campus. I hope we, as a student body, have the energy and drive to realize that it is not all about what our school can do for us, but also what we can do for our school.
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