Sruli Speaks

Fellow Students,

My four years have passed in the blink of an eye. When I arrived at Yeshiva University, I admittedly did not know what to expect. I had my own preconceived notions as to what college life would be like, especially in Yeshiva University. I didn't have an older brother to tell me how it "was" in YU, but I quickly learned about our school and its "system". Many students were simply going through the motions and accepted our school for what it was, while others believed in the potential of Yeshiva University. Change is not a one shot deal, but rather an ongoing process, which must be continued and nurtured over the course of many years. As student leaders we try to make immediate improvements to the quality of life on campus; very often we are successful and everybody sees immediate rewards. Other times it takes the cooperative effort of students and administration over several years to see the fruits of their labor.

I like to view Yeshiva University as a work in progress. The core problems that plague our campus all have a common denominator - the University does not listen to its students. It seems that the very tenants for whom the University is providing an ed ucation and room and board have little input into what happens on campus. YU has grown by leaps and bounds, but as a result it has lost track of its raison d'etre - the students coming to its campuses to learn. A prime example of ignoring student input is apparent in the case of the recent dormitory lounge renovations. While we are grateful for these improvements, which are no doubt done with our benefit in mind, the school did not solicit student opinion. If the administration was planning to spend close to $25,000 dollars for new lounge furniture, logic would dictate that an important step in this plan would be to speak to the very students who use the lounges. This it seems, is not the "YU Way."

When we express our concerns about the lack of student representation the responses are always filled with excuses and promises to change things in the future. The problem arises when the same practice is continued the following year. The student voice once again goes unheard, because, after all, didn't the Administration just spend $25,000 for the students!?! A prime example of administrative apathy can be found each and every year when it comes to planning for orientation. Each year, student leaders request to be included in Orientation planning and scheduling from the initial stages, and each year they are promised this will occur the following year. Sure enough our leaders are brought into the fold only after the majority of planning is completed.

But, of course, there are times when the University does search out the opinions of the students. Unfortunately, this always happens when students are backed into a corner and have no choice but to tell the administration what they want to hear. Then the Administration has its ammo, retorting, "but the student leaders agreed to it!!!" It seems that they only seek out our opinions for the sake of public relations.

A recent example is the situation regarding the BMP Beis Midrash renovation; only after the decision to relocate to Schottenstein were student leaders informed, as an apparent courtesy.

A discussion of this topic would not be complete without mentioning graduation. Graduation should be a moment of joy and happiness for countless seniors who have worked hard to attain this goal. To the University it is simply an opportunity to give honor to its many contributors and benefactors. At the mere mention of a desire to have more student involvement in Commencement, smiles break out on the face of the many administrators. "It is an issue of time" we are told, "after all, the program is long enough as is and the graduates would get upset if it was any longer." There is however, more than enough time for numerous "Doctorates of Humane Letters" to be given out to benefactors of the University. Enough of the University patting itself on the back; they have the Chanukah Dinner to do that. How about showing a little respect for the students who have put in long hours, hard work and paid their tuition?

I would be remiss if I did not point out that segments of the Administration have been making great strides in improving student life. The Office of Student Services has changed for the better in the time that I have been here. Their belief that "the students are the customers" has brought about many positive changes. But it is not enough. The University must adopt this policy in all of its departments.

In closing, it has been a long year filled with memorable events. Nothing this year would have been possible without the hard work of numerous students. For fear of leaving somebody out, I will not list any names, but you know who you are and I would like to thank you for making this year as great as it was.

Sruli Tannenbaum

YCSC President 1997-98