Two hundred and three years ' it is almost awe-inspiring to think that we are all part of a university that has been spreading knowledge for more than two centuries. I often wonder, could our founders ever have conceived the issues we face today? Could they ever fathom things like budget realignments, strategic plans or shared governance? That last one, shared governance, is probably the most pertinent, for it is the reason the other two have seemed so painful. Do we have shared governance? Do any of our opinions even matter to those in charge? For three years I have answered yes to both of these questions ' I have been a fool. We are no closer to a truly democratic university than we were 203 years ago.
It is ironic that we have decided to hold Founder's Day on February 2. That is also Groundhog's Day, the day when a furry creature decides which path our climatic fortunes will take for the rest of the year. On February 2, President McDavis and the rest of the upper administration at Ohio University will give a presentation on Vision Ohio, the strategic plan for the future of our school. At the same time, a group of students will be rallying on College Green with their own idea of which path OU should take. What will be the result? I can honestly say I no longer know. I just feel disillusioned with strategic planning and budget realignments and wonder whether I will even see shared governance in the time I have left at Ohio University.
I am holding my breath in anticipation. Which path will OU go down this Groundhog's Day? Will spring finally arrive for the beleaguered members of our university community? Will we feel the warmth of a truly democratic university any time soon? Or will the shadows of strategic priorities, budget cuts and top-down decision making cause the Long Winter of Our Discontent to continue? I only know that I could use some sunshine.Dominic Barbato is the president of Graduate Student Senate.
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