A new set of recommendations concerning the evolution of the Western College Program (WCP) and its possible merge with the Honors Program were issued Thursday by the university senate ad hoc committee, termed the Momeyer Committee for its chair, professor Rick Momeyer. While there are many questions left to be addressed, The Miami Student stands by the recommendations of this committee. Additionally, it is critical that students put forth the effort to make their input on this decision known by the committee and the administration.
In his press conference Thursday, President Hodge focused extensively on student involvement, the importance of student input in university decisions, and the difficulties posed by student apathy. Here is an opportunity to participate in an administrative decision that has the potential to affect a number of peers and faculty currently at Miami as well as future students. This is the only shot students have to affect change with their perspectives. It would be a wonder if Hodge, who makes the ultimate decision on this matter, was surprised rather than disappointed by the student contribution to this dialogue.
In the past months, WCP students have rallied for the support of their program and with good cause - no one would want their beloved program to die hard without a fight - but it is imperative now that non-WCP students step up to bat as well.
There are multiple facets through which all students of the university are encouraged to present their feedback on the Momeyer committee recommendations, such as open hearings, online forums and direct e-mail communication (see page 8). While the "Western issue" may not seem pertinent to everyone's agenda, it will have repercussions for the entire university through finances, academic diversity and administrative and structural changes within divisions.
The Miami Student supports the Momeyer recommendations for its distinct differentiation between WCP and the Honors Program. The recommendations cite that a "forced marriage" between the two is unwarranted, a sentiment felt strongly by many on all sides of the debate. Additionally, the recommendations are careful to retain integral elements of the "Western" experience, such as the residential living-learning community, the self-designed major and the senior project.
The Momeyer recommendations are flexible yet incomplete. Students from the entire university must be a part of the decision-making process in order for the result to be a truly democratic resolution.
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