Letters to the Editor

Dear Weather Vane Editors,

I attended the town meeting this afternoon and was surprised to see about 20 students there. Now I'm certainly not trying to be self-righteous here, (this was my first town meeting ever) but it is slightly ridiculous that only 20 undergraduate students out of 900 attended a meeting with their president concerning the future of EMU. I realize that 4:00 p.m. on a Tuesday afternoon might have interfered with class or practice, but from what I understand, they've tried various times and locations with about the same average attendance. While Loren readily accepts and responds to e-mailed opinions and questions from students and faculty, I would argue that open conversation and dialogue in a group setting is much more valuable. We are given the opportunity to ask questions and express our opinions to the president of this university. What's the point of having the opportunity for our voices to be heard if we don't take advantage of it?

However, I am not just advocating for people to participate in these important discussions. I have attended many events at EMU that have been sparsely attended, which I've found by reading my e-mails and looking at fliers. There are a lot of really great events - worship services, music recitals, dialogues, forums, etc. that people miss out on right here on our campus, and people still complain that there is nothing to do. We all have homework and pressing social engagements, but attending campus activities can serve as a way to be involved on campus, spend time with your friends, take a study break, or even to meet new people.

So pay attention to the e-mails that flood your Inbox, the fliers in Campus Mail and posted on bulletin boards, and the Campus Connection webpage. It might take a little more effort, but I am of the opinion that it's the well worth the extra time. We pay an exorbitant amount of money to attend this institution, so we might as well be invested in the community and get as much out of this experience as we can.

Jen Ruth

Recently, I began walking on EMU's indoor track in The Commons. I was delighted to know that this track is available to the community; however, I have a concern that I hope will be addressed by those in charge at the track.

There have been several incidents where, as I was doing my daily laps, I rounded a corner and nearly bumped into a staff member coming the opposite direction bearing a cup of coffee. The same day I had to slow down and change lanes, actually I had to get off the track completely in order to avoid a group of student/employees just coming off duty. It wasn't that they didn't see me, they simply didn't have the courtesy to stand aside or excuse themselves.

On another occasion a PE instructor was standing ON the track WITH his class. None of them stood to the side to allow walkers/runners to remain on the track.

There have been incidents where there are walkers on the track who are pushing baby strollers. Am I out of order in finding this rude and downright ignorant use of the track, particularly for any instructors or employees (student or otherwise) of the wellness center?

There are quite a few older folks who use the track because it's safe, it's great through all kinds of weather, temperature-controlled, etc. Does EMU need to be reminded that these older folks have contributed quite a lot to make The Commons and many other privileges offered by EMU possible?

Would it be a good idea to post up a sign somewhere, clearly seen, prohibiting the above kinds of thoughtlessness?

A walker who appreciates much about EMU and wants to continue to do so,

Audrey A. Metz

Harrisonburg, VA