War resolution will damage University credibility
The University has no right whatsoever to take an official stance on the possible war with Iraq. This is a public university, not a political party. It is the duty of the University and its faculty to educate us broadly so we become good leaders in tomorrow’s world, not to preach political views and indoctrinate us with their beliefs.
A college or university should have no official stances on political issues, it is for students to decide for themselves what they believe in, not to have it dictated by the school they attend. It is bad enough that the liberal elements on campus do everything in their power to silence the other points of view, but passing an official resolution on a political issue is going too far.
I will not tolerate the University treating its students with such blatant disrespect. We do not pay $10,000 plus to be told what we believe.
I am aware that Oregon State University, to their everlasting shame, passed a resolution condemning the possibility of war. This has not only severely damaged their credibility as an institution of higher learning, but it also showed that the OSU senate does not respect the different opinions which exist at any university. We can do better. We don’t have to sink to such a low level of disrespect.
If the University Senate passes this resolution, it will not only alienate a large group of students on campus, but it also will severely damage the credibility of our fine university. If it passes and the University takes an official stance on the war, I personally will lose a lot of respect for the University.

Zachary White

sophomore

history

Students should actively support grant availability
It is within the confines of institutions such as the University that we students are given the opportunity to gain the skills necessary for our respective career paths, if we can make it that far.
The reality of student loan debt and the possibility of having to go to school off and on in order to work to pay tuition are becoming more prevalent. This is partly because the cost of education is increasing rapidly. Moreover, the ability to receive funding in the form of grants is more stringent than ever before.
All of these issues have been at least partially addressed by the Higher Education Act, but there is more that is required from Congress in the form of reauthorizations of certain provisions in the act.
The bottom line is: Students need more grant opportunities and less loan debt overall, and the provisions account for this in part through Pell Grants and maintaining student loan limits. Whether you have taken out loans or received grants yet does not mean you won’t need to at some point. This matters.
Let your elected officials know that you have done your “homework” and found that the HEA reauthorizations are crucial to student success and come vocalize your support or simply come to learn more about the HEA at the ASUO-sponsored press conference today at noon at Johnson Hall.
Be active; take your educational opportunities seriously.

Shannon Tarvin

freshman

biology