A common goal

It was with great interest that I read Gov. Frank O'Bannon's speech concerning the fiscal situation of Indiana Thursday. What he outlined in that speech will have a profound impact on the students of IU. O'Bannon, while having the best of intentions, is mistaken in freezing spending on universities. I believe it is imperative that the student body take a proactive approach and work with the administration to write, call, rally and lobby the state legislature to ensure that university funding is a priority for the state.\nThroughout his speech, O'Bannon stressed helping young Hoosiers and improving schools. While I agree with this premise, I think his belief should extend to higher education and not stop at elementary and secondary education. By freezing higher education funding, while at the same time putting an increased emphasis on K-12 schools, it appears the governor is appealing to a large voting block by showing he is working hard to help "the children." \nAlthough he is in his second term, political maneuvering is still important as it can work to give him a mandate, help any future political goals and aid in the election of like-minded officials. \nBut while I find it to be very disconcerting, O'Bannon's political strategy is statistically safe, because the majority of students in college choose not to vote. Therefore, O'Bannon has targeted a safe demographic. If his words go unheeded, the IU trustees will be faced with the unenviable task of once again raising tuition, and the state government will have once again successfully deflected blame from themselves to the administration at IU. \nBut I do find disturbing his long-range planning. The obvious increase in tuition that would happen may cause fewer students to go to IU, and it would almost assuredly decrease the amount of out-of-state students coming into our system. Thus, the "brain drain" would increase as the University, which is one of the best resources the state has at bringing talented young people into Indiana, would not be equipped to compete with other states. Therefore, the possible future business leaders of this nation would not see the great things Indiana has to offer. \nIU needs to look within as well. It is important for the administration to look for ways to lower the overall cost of higher education to the students. The easiest and probably most appealing solution to the majority of the student body would be the dramatic decrease, and possible elimination of, mandatory student fees that are not essential to the academic goals and mission of the University. Also, given the bleak forecast from the state, a reevaluation of the socialized medicine program on campus might be warranted. \nIf we sit back and do nothing, we have sealed our fate. But if we are proactive and fight this, we can transform the state's agenda. We must become informed on the issues. The 2002 secretary of state election in Indiana will be very important, as it will be the largest state-wide election during that cycle. The secretary of state is responsible for recruiting businesses to Indiana, and students can work to have an impact on that race. We must be active by writing our state representatives, senators and the governors to tell them that higher education is important. Most importantly, we must vote and prove ourselves a powerful block that can no longer be ignored. \nVery few times does the student body president advocate cooperation between the administration and the students. It seems as if throughout our college career it is suppose to be "us" vs. "them." But in the "economic crisis" outlined by the governor, it is important that we pool all our resources and unite as Indiana University, to ensure that the needs of the state's institutions of higher education are listened to.