Change is good. No one should fear it. Without change the status quo always prevails and the system never improves. Next fall, students and faculty alike will be confronted with a drastic change: Ohio University will establish a new general education program, which means students no longer will use the tier system. The new program will begin with students entering the university in 2005 and will do away with the 20-year-old tier system. OU has made a good decision in updating the general education program but needs to reconsider the proposed time frame. Less than two years is simply not enough time to work out all the details of the program. The university should consider pushing back the program's unveiling to make sure that all parties involved, especially faculty and advisers, can adapt to the new system. OU needs to take the time to train faculty, advisers and students in the workings of the new system.
In theory, the new program is a good idea. General education is a necessary foundation for the more specific knowledge students will learn when pursuing his or her major and should be improved if possible. However, the new program is not without its critics. Some faculty members have raised concerns about the logistics of this new program. The total cost of the program is not yet known, nor have all the details concerning its implementation been worked out. Another potential problem is exactly how classes are going to be put into the four categories the new system will create. While these concerns have merit, it is important to realize that the details will eventually be worked out. It will just take a little bit of time.
There would be nothing more disastrous for the university than not having the program up and running the first day of Fall Quarter 2005. If unforeseen problems arise and delay the start of the new program, the university will be faced with many more problems. Picture about 20,000 students all trying to see their advisers on the first day because the university's well-laid plans fell through. OU needs to proceed with caution and make sure there are no bugs in the system. The new general education program will be good for OU, but there is no rush to implement it. The tier system has been in place here for 20 years, and a few more won't hurt. Especially if they guarantee that the improved system will be as good as it is supposed to be.
Taking a chance on gambling
If you're a betting man or woman, you might want to see what odds your bookie is giving on whether a new proposal to put slot machines at Ohio racetracks will get through the state legislature. In addition to slots at racetracks, the proposal has a provision to allow casinos in urban areas, an idea that was struck down twice by voters in the 1990s. The proposal, if passed by the legislature, would be placed on the November ballot, letting Ohio voters have the final say. It is time for Ohio to consider legalized gambling in the form of slot machines at racetracks or freestanding casinos. Despite opposition to the proposal - most notably from Gov. Bob Taft - Ohioans should be free to decide if gambling is in their best interest.
No matter whether voters approve the proposal, the fact remains that many Ohioans still will gamble, in some way, shape or form. Voters should realize that neighboring states are getting rich off of Ohio residents. States such as Indiana and Michigan have legalized gambling, and people from Ohio flock to these states to spend large amounts of money that this state will never see again. Revenues generated from gambling could possibly be split between schools and college scholarships. Not only will this added revenue be good for students; the money also could be used to fix the state's financial woes. The current economic status of our state is far from decent. The deficit is atrocious, unemployment is high and still more money must be cut to keep Ohio in the black. Legislators and voters need to consider any and all options that could generate revenue for the state. While many might fear the social costs of legalized gambling from addiction to crime, it may be a necessary step for Ohio. If passed by voters, the state should look to its neighbors and develop a comprehensive strategy to begin the plan. No matter if Ohioans approve freestanding casinos or just slot machines at racetracks, the public needs to weigh the pros and cons carefully. The outcome of the future vote does not matter. One thing is for sure: This issue needs to be on the ballot on Nov. 2.
17 Archives
