Author: Michael Darling
Hello, my fellow stakeholders in the Occidental community. As I enter my final year at Oxy I have many thoughts, hopes and questions running through my mind and they must be addressed. We have reached an interesting point in Oxy’s history and I can honestly say the state of the campus is . . . in flux.
It is a period of transition, change and turnover here at Oxy. In August the college welcomed its largest entering class in the campus’ history. Additionally, as so often is the case at this school, we now have many new people working in the administration, including an almost entirely new Residence Life and Housing Services staff. From what I have heard, new RLHS director Tim Chang is doing what he can to remain liked by the students he serves. This should be an easy task as many students are just happy that previous RLHS head Kecia Baker is gone. It seems that as long as he does his job with a modicum of competence and care, he shall probably remain in good standing.
As I’m sure you’re aware, Oxy has a new president. I was part of O-Team this year and had the pleasure of meeting President Veitch. He appears to be a good man with a fascinating personal narrative. Already he has shown an interest in both student life and Oxy’s role in the community. In his initial speech to parents and new students, Veitch pledged to bring access of L.A.’s arts community to Oxy. He wants to have partnerships with L.A.’s finest museums, and I for one hope that this dream can come true. Additionally, I have learned that he’s created a drink for the new Green Bean Café called the Son of a Veitch. In the two weeks since school started, Veitch has already shown more interest in student affairs then President Prager did in her ten months. I wish President Veitch good luck and I hope that he is here for many years. Let’s hope the Board of Trustees likes him too.
The Trustees themselves reflect the uncertain state of the campus. I can only wonder what new policy they will announce around midterms and finals this year. In previous years, we’ve been treated to a few resignations and restrictive housing policies targeting the next year’s new students, so I must ask: What new surprise will they casually announce this year? In 2005, the then-newly arrived class of 2009 was warned at convocation by Professor Jennifer Quinn to watch out for the “monsters under our beds.” Prof. Quinn is no longer at Oxy, but we must heed her warning and ask questions of the Trustees. We are Oxy’s true stakeholders and we must hold the board accountable.
We must also make sure that the ASOC student government runs smoothly and chooses to spend money wisely. Last year, the Senate approved funding for 14 Nintendo Wiis for student residences. Unnecessary use of funds such as this need to be questioned and the Senate must serve as more than just a rubber stamp.
The large Class of 2013 has now begun its collegiate journey. In past years, large groups of first-years have been known to show up in big groups to parties where they do not know the host. Let us hope that they respect the wishes of these hosts and stay safe and sensible on the party circuit.
I have one brief word of advice for Oxy’s newest students: Always make sure you know where you’re going. For instance, last year I was at a party that was a mile away from campus when about twenty first-years arrived, seemingly from out of nowhere. One of them had the gall to ask the hostess if she went to Oxy. I hope this sort of situation can be avoided in the future. I also hope the first-years learn sooner rather than later that if they want creepy people to stop hitting on them, they should stop wearing the lanyards.
Finally, I’d like to say a few words to my fellow members of the class of 2010. As of today, we have 242 days ’til we graduate. We cannot just seize the day, we must seize the whole year. Carpe annum! Let every class be enlightening, every dance musically diverse and every party more than the same old tired scene. This is our last chance and we must not let an opportunity go wasted. So, to all those involved in the Oxy community, I wish a good year and may we stand up for what our school means. Thank you and Io Triumphe!
Michael Darling is a senior History major. He can be reached at mdarling@oxy.edu.
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