University Star

More students should make their voices heard this semester by attending outreach sessions with administration officials and participating in student organizations and petitions.

President Denise Trauth made the decision to host two Open Door sessions this spring in an effort to better connect with Texas State students, according to a Jan. 29 University Star article. The first session occurred Feb. 6 at the J.C. Kellam building, and the final one this semester will be held March 4 at the LBJ Student Center. Trauth will be available to answer student questions at the March 5 Associated Student Government Round Table and April 10 at an invitation-only event called Cat Chat.

All of the outreach events are open to any interested Texas State students who have ideas or concerns to share with Trauth. Nine students spoke with Trauth on a variety of important issues during the first Open Door session, according to a Feb. 7 University Star article. However, more than nine students should have attended the session, considering the increased enrollment and diversity among the student body.

Trauth has not historically hosted many sessions throughout the year, but many students continually choose not to attend because of the belief their voices cannot make an impact on administrators. It may seem otherwise at times, but Trauth has increased her availability to students this semester, making it apparent she is interested in their input. What students have to say is important. Without them, Texas State would cease to exist. Administrators should be open to ideas so they can improve the university and attract more students in the future. Many student concerns and ideas are valid and have the potential to drastically change the future of Texas State.

It is important for students to take advantage of Trauth’s outreach events this spring, but there are many other ways Bobcats can make an impact on the university. Students who want to make a difference but are unsure of how to start have a plethora of options from which to choose.

Residents at the West Campus Housing Complex recently started a proposal regarding complaints about noise and other issues caused by nearby construction, according to a Feb. 6 University Star article. The students requested a 20 percent reimbursement for substandard living conditions in the dorms and created a separate petition in support of their proposal. It is unclear whether university officials will agree to this exact request. However, it is important these students found an appropriate outlet to express their grievances with the administration.

All students have the ability to make a difference at Texas State if they are willing to step out of comfort zones. There are nearly 300 registered student organizations at the university, according to the Campus Activities and Student Organizations website. All of these groups cater to different interests and people. So, students should be able to find an organization that satisfies interests and allows them to interact with like-minded people. These organizations provide students with the chance to get together, discuss concerns and bring these thoughts to the attention of administrators who can then enact policies.

Students who want to see changes at Texas State will need to take a stand for what they believe in. Change will not happen overnight, but speaking with Trauth during outreach events, starting petitions and joining clubs are a few ways to begin the process of implementing ideas into university policy-making.