By Beacon Editorial Board
We would like to take the opportunity in this semester's inaugural issue to make New Year's resolutions that the University should commit to in 2008. Yes, we know we're more than three weeks late, but better late than never!
Explore Oregon
It's true that Portland is the most lively and exciting part of Oregon. But that doesn't mean the rest of the state isn't worth exploring. And we're talking about more than Multnomah Falls here. In 2008, we pledge to take advantage of living in a state known for its natural beauty and endless outdoor opportunities. We encourage you to do the same. Venture farther up the Gorge and find another waterfall. Explore the surprisingly diverse geography east of the Cascades. Check out the other Haystack Rock.
Go to events on campus and in Portland
You're in a big city. Take advantage of it and pretend to be a tourist. Portland is generating a lot of buzz around the country for its great food and drink, many natural and built amenities, as well as just general quirkiness. You don't even have to venture off campus. A plethora of local, state and national politicians will be here for Focus the Nation.
Practice democracy
For all the complaining we do about the administration, it's funny that we don't jump on any chance of any form of representative democracy. The more people vote in ASUP elections, the more the student government is validated, and then, who knows? The administration may even feel some obligation towards its constituency. And if you haven't registered to vote in real elections, get on it. You are voting for the next president, aren't you?
Find a new mascot without spending a fortune
Yes, we understand that it's very important to put effort into finding a new mascot. Effort, however, doesn't necessarily constitute spending tens of thousands on think tanks and research committees. Here's a cheap idea: Tack some random animal pictures up onto the wall and have the board of regents throw darts at it. We'll be the fightin' Portland ... giraffes. Or whatever.
Give GLBTQ students more autonomy
The recent acceptance of the Gay Straight Partnership as an official club is a monumental and groundbreaking motion for the University of Portland and the Catholic community in general. UP is taking a step toward being a more accepting and welcoming campus. But, the GSP should be allowed to choose its own advisers. The administration's insistence on selecting the GSP's advisers sends the message that the students are not in control of a student-led group.
Make leaps toward carbon neutrality
Last summer, the Rev. E. William Beauchamp, C.S.C., signed the American College and University Presidents' Campus Climate Commitment to go carbon neutral. Although we have committed to have a comprehensive strategy and set date to go carbon neutral two years after the signing, let's get that done by the end of the 2008 instead of the middle of 2009. The time for action is now.
