by Nick Jellings
Last year, student body leaders held an Outfly for a cause. Titled "Project Orange," the primary focus of the event was to bring student issues to the attention of administration.
March 25, 2009...just over one year ago.Students at Wartburg College united to get their voices heard and bring grievances to administration attention.
The grievances outlined campus issues of which they felt were not being resolved by administration.
Some of the grievances included campus sustainability, technology and ITS funding, and residence hall improvements.
Current Student Body President Abhay Nadipuram, who was Student Body Vice-President at the time Project Orange was called, says steps are being taken toward the grievances.
Nadipuram says, “We expected administration to take some steps towards us, and they have.”
Nadipuram adds the primary goal was for the students to make a push and hold themselves accountable.
Wartburg President Dr. Darrel Colson was not at Wartburg when Project Orange was called last year. Colson has heard about the event from former Wartburg Student Body President Travis Bockenstedt during his interview process for president.
Colson says he and the college cabinet encourage student input on issues. Colson says, “We want to engage, we want to be in communication…and I think that’s working out pretty well.”
Through college senators, faculty, or administrators, Colson adds there’s always someone to talk to.
Colson says, “At the end of the day, I imagine there are going to be some cases where students really feel as though X should happen, and X didn’t happen. Although, I’m hoping that all along the way – and I feel pretty confident – that people are listening to the concern and really trying to think through the concern, evaluating the ins and outs and then making the very best decision they can.”
Nadipuram adds it’s important to continue to focus on the issues. “In my eyes, nothing is every 100 percent completed…especially issues like these. You can always be trying to make improvements.”
Because of Project Orange, an ITS Taskforce has been formed. Recycling boxes for individual student dorm rooms have also been added.
You can read about additional examples of changes that have come from Project Orange in this week’s Wartburg Trumpet as part of our See It, Read It partnership.