Access is everything

Recently, we have criticized the triviality of this year's IU Student Association campaign platform issues. Much of what the campaigns are advocating this year are the resurrected issues that previous IUSA campaigns have proposed, and these old ideas never really took off under previous administrations.\nBecause we recognize IUSA is limited in its power, we have proposed the candidates tackle more feasible issues and make real strides to accomplish what is within their abilities. We have advocated both tickets make campaign pledges to invest more money and student time in sexual assault prevention programs, a cause which neither ticket has so far accepted. Earlier this week, we asked the campaigns to start strongly pushing for student governance. \nWe have another idea that we hope will be incorporated into either of the two parties' platforms, if not both: All class syllabi should be available online to assist students interested in private study. \nWe believe this would greatly benefit current IU students, as well as students who have graduated who could stay connected to IU's online resources for a nominal fee, because students would gain the opportunity to take classes that were unavailable to them because of time constraints. The availability of class syllabi will provide \nstudents an opportunity to continue their education outside the classroom, while maintaining structure to their scholarship.\nMoreover, in the context of globalization, the best way for IU students to remain competitive in the work place is for them to adapt constantly to changes in the world. Obviously this is more difficult if IU graduates are detached from an academic setting in which ideas are constantly being exchanged. Access to online resources and syllabi will keep alumni engaged in the world of academia and provide them with the knowledge necessary to adjust to the changes in their respective environments. \nFurthermore, the availability of class syllabi could boost book sales and provide bookstores with an incentive to advertise through the University's Web site, thus generating revenue. At the very least, increased book sales can help reduce the cost of books per student, because the bookstores can place bulk orders. This also could facilitate better relations with alumni, who are more inclined to make donations if they are engaged with the University. \nLastly, infrastructure investments of this sort will pave the way for cyber classrooms, which will expand the reach and influence of IU without compromising the University's populist approach to education. While we are not advocating cyber classrooms in place of classroom lectures, we suggest cyber classrooms can be employed to provide access to students who would otherwise be disconnected with the University. We have the technology and the means to see this plan through, but now we need the will power. \nThis issue doesn't need to be the centerpiece of a campaign, but it is a feasible goal with educational benefits echoing our University's primary mission. By increasing educational opportunities for all students, IU can transform itself into an elite public university. In order to do so, our elected representatives must think more creatively and take up issues that are relevant and of enduring value.