State of HU: A Tale of Two HUs

As I embark upon my final semester at Howard, while serving my second term as HUSA President, it seems that Howard is again going through a monumental shift, a shift that no one can forecast or has complete control over.

For years, students, faculty, and even some administrators, have voiced frustration regarding the state, progress, and future outlook of the University. Despite our shared frustration, there has yet to be a shared solution.

Since I assumed the office of HUSA President in 2010, HUSA has focused on tangible change and direct solutions to student grievances: HUSA Grants, visitation, UTC Shuttles, improvements in the I-Lab, and, in conjunction with the Student Trustees, the abolishment of the purge system.

HUSA Grants, a program started last year by the 50th administration, was officially endorsed by Dr. Ribeau and the University, subsequently helping to sustain the program-an occurrence that, two years ago, might have seemed impossible to achieve.

This affirms that true progress can only be attained when administrators and students genuinely work together for the common interest of the University predicated on the belief that students must be first.

Undoubtedly progress has been made, but this type of candid discourse and collaboration must be institutionalized from power hall, to our academic departments, the office of the President, and even the Board of Trustees.

Soon, HUSA and President Ribeau will be re-launching the Students First campaign with policies and initiatives generated by HUSA and students based upon HUSA observations and student feedback.

The campaign will focus on giving student affairs and student leaders more input and control over enrollment management, academic affairs, and auxiliary services, developing a permanent pre-alumni association to create a direct channel from students to alumni for networking and fundraising, and to encourage current students to be supportive alumni in the future.

The campaign will also focus on need-based aid fundraising, and other initiatives that will engage all University stakeholders, enhance student life and services, and empower students to continue the Howard legacy. This by no means will solve all of our issues, but it will set a framework within this institution that will be conducive to transparency and constant progress.

Recently, the University has gone through shifts and changes with the resignation of the Provost, and the Chief Operating Officer, and this week Howard will usher in a new campaign season- a perfect storm for impactful and meaningful change.

Not just a protest, or one initiative, but a change that is evident in our everyday actions and interactions, creating an atmosphere where only those who believe in students and the mission of Howard will be able to function.

So, currently the state of HU is a dichotomy between flashes of brilliance and unity and a culture of the past that is notorious for being divisive and dysfunctional. What we need at Howard is not a revolution, but a realization that we are both our greatest enemy and greatest asset.

If we are to thrive as a University, we must do so not just as students, faculty, or administrators but as one University.

Brandon Harris is a senior political science major from Memphis, Tenn.