“Change has a considerable psychological impact on the human mind. To the fearful it is threatening because it means that things may get worse. To the hopeful it is encouraging because things may get better. To the confident it is inspiring because the challenge exists to make things better.”
It is with the viewpoint of change in mind I begin my letter. We the students of Southern University know the challenges of the system. We know because we sat together through a problematic registration process, we worked together through housing problems, and we persevered through the same problems since I have been at this institution of tertiary education.
It would be hyperbole for me to say that I wasn’t frustrated by the situation that took place over the last couple of weeks, but something this time was different. As I sit back and juxtapose what would have happened in the past I realize that our Chancellor was visible. He seemed concerned with a process that was not student friendly. In addition he has said that we, the STUDENTS, are the most important piece to this puzzle known as the Jaguar Nation.
He stands with us to ensure that customer service is a top priority on this campus.
Jaguars CHANGE is upon us, and we need to stand up against the problems of this institution. We must also work alongside a new administration that is interested in what we think, in what we know, and in what we believe.
We have a wonderful year ahead of us, but we must make sure to remind the leaders of our campus that we won’t be idle spectators to nonsensical actions.
One of our major priorities is keeping our seats at the football game. The leadership of our Athletic program wants to move us from our section at the football game and sell the seats. The problem with that is they have come up with NO way besides that to make revenue. They have increased our fees by $25 dollars because of a deficit, and now instead of coming to the students have gone behind our backs to try to move the section. It is my hope that you all would write emails to the Athletic Director, Chancellor, President and Board Members to make sure we keep our seats. The meeting to discuss this will be on Sept 12, and I urge all students to be present so we can say we aren’t moving.
I look forward to work for a better tomorrow, a brighter future, and a shift in the mindset here in the Jaguar Nation. It should be remembered that the goals of the students, faculty, and staff are not much different than we think, but we must learn to communicate as a family in order to have those goals and ambitions materialize into reality.
Yours in the Blue and Gold,
Jamal A. Taylor, 67th President
Student Government Association;
Member, Southern U. Board of Supervisors
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