It's About Time!

After years of lobbying and pressuring the administration, Penn has finally hired a Sustainability Coordinator. Dan Garofalo, who has been an integral part of Penn's sustainability efforts thus far, has been appointed to the position. It really was a matter of time befor Penn to follow its peer institutions in appointing someone to a position with the responsibility of coordinating the institution's sustainability efforts. With President Gutmann's signing of the American College and University President’s Climate Commitment in February 2007, we should see much more from Penn as the pledge begins to be implemented.

We have seen a conversion over the last year with Penn really starting to respond to the loud demands of students who want to see Penn do more to become a leader in sustainability. I truly believe that this wouldn't have happened without all the work done by students from the Penn Environmental Group, the Green Campus Partnership and support from the Undergraduate Assembly. I would especially commend Sarah Abroms and Lisa Zhu for their tireless work keeping the administration's feet to the fire on this issue.

~BT

Philly Student Gov Presidents Endorse Obama

From a press release that was sent to via email,

April 14, 2008

To the Editors of Pennsylvania Publications:

We, the student government leaders of schools in the Philadelphia region, endorse Barack Obama as the candidate of our choice for the Democratic Candidate for President.

Firstly, we must note that we are speaking on behalf of our own views as prominent student leaders at our institutions, not on behalf of the student body or our student government. However, because this is a particularly close presidential primary race with the next contest here in Pennsylvania we feel it appropriate to endorse a candidate.

From our experience in organizational leadership, it is manifestly clear that the tone of the leadership is often the difference between progress and deadlock. Good ideas and solutions are the first step, but it takes great communicators and motivators to truly unify people around a collective goal and achieve lofty policy objectives. When you examine Barack’s ability to communicate and motivate, there is no doubt that his abilities surpass any political leader in recent memory.

Barack’s campaign has brought millions into the ranks and has truly relied on a grassroots effort that continues to unify more and more Americans in his campaign. As members of the ‘youth’, and as the rising leaders of tomorrow, this hope and belief in a new kind of politics means more than just the shibboleth of ‘change’ and ‘hope.’ Barack has truly demonstrated that he has the intangible quality of leadership that does not just embolden him in his efforts to run for president. His leadership inspires millions to join him in his campaign. Especially important to the members of our generation, who will inherit the politics of today, it is critical that we engage in politics now to ensure that we are involved with the politics of our nation. More than any other candidate, Barack has engaged our generation and inspired millions of young voters to get engaged in American politics for the first time.

Barack’s plan to address the concern of financial assistance for higher education particularly resonates with us. His plans to simplify the application process for financial aid, expand Pell Grants to low-income students, streamline Direct Loans for students and create the American Opportunity Tax Credit are critical in truly making higher education available to any American who wants to go to college. Witnessing peers struggle to pay for college, especially with a relatively grim outlook on the current economy, fuels our conviction that Barack’s leadership is can bring about the change we’ve been waiting for.

Barack also understands how education and leadership from government can help keep the American economy at the forefront of innovation and progress:

If we want an innovation economy, one that generates more Googles each year, then we have to invest in our future innovators—by doubling federal funding of basic research over the next five years, training one hundred thousand more engineers and scientists over the next four years, or providing new research grants to the most outstanding early-career researchers in the country.[1]

We need a President who wants to make sure America is preeminent land of opportunity. Higher education is the source of the leaders of tomorrow. It is an investment in the future political, economic, technologic and cultural success of America. Barack understands that America’s future begins through investing in education and innovation today.

We, as student leaders, wholeheartedly endorse Barack Obama to be the next President of the United States. He possesses the leadership, passion, solutions and charismatic audacity to truly bring about positive changes in this country that we—as students—can believe in.

Sincerely,

Jason Karsh
Chairman, Undergraduate Assembly
University of Pennsylvania

Juan Galeano
Student Body President
Temple University

John Von Euw
Student Body President
Villanova University

Meghan McAllister and Fabrizio Barbagelata
Co-Presidents, Students’ Council
Haverford College

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[1] Obama, Barack. The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream. Three Rivers Press: New York, 2006. (166-7)

~BT

ASAM Funding Issue Resolved

From the press release sent out on Wednesday April 2nd in advance of the rally,

We are pleased to report that we have agreed to a plan that will allow the Asian American Studies Program in the School of Arts and Sciences to continue to flourish as a resource for all Penn students. This agreement has emerged out of our budget process and from conversations with the University administration. We want to extend special thanks to Provost Ronald Daniels and President Amy Gutmann for their commitment to the program for the support of new initiatives.It has been very gratifying to see the expressions of enthusiasm for the program in recent days from students, alumni and faculty. We look forward to working with all of you to realize the full potential of Asian American studies at Penn.

Although I was unable to attend the rally, here are some pictures that were posted on Fallout Central:

~BT

What I Want to Hear at the ASAM Rally

If you still haven't heard, there will be a rally in support of the Asian American Studies Program (ASAM) Thursday April 3rd from 12-4 on College Green.

I think the rally is a great step to build a stronger coalition of students, faculty and staff who support the ASAM program and want to see its continued viability. For those keeping count, the online petition has been signed by over 1500 people.

Here are some quick thoughts on what I would like to hear at the rally:

• Why is the ASAM program important to the whole Penn community?
• How does this relate to the recently adopted 'Cultural Diversity in the US' requirement that begins for the class of 2012?
• If there are going to be more cross-listed classes, which departments will house the standing faculty required to sustain those classes?
• What would an increase in ASAM funding do for the program's viability?
• What resources does a department have that differs from a program?
• How many students take the ASAM minor? What are the biggest barriers stopping more students from enrolling in the minor?

What I don't want to hear is how much the budget was or wasn't cut by. Since the exact budget figures are unlikely to be released publicly, we should focus on coming together to demand a necessary increase in funding for this year. We can then build a case for increased funding so that the administration will be morally compelled to increase funding and renew its commitment to diversity at Penn, especially within the academic sphere of the university.

p.s. Are there any students that have been appointed to SAS or Provost committees that could help in this effort? I am not sure, but the NEC definitely knows the answer and should be able to provide a list of all the currently appointed students.

~BT

A Rally is a Good Step

Remarkable timing that the issue of cutting funding for the Asian American Studies Program (ASAM) would arise in the midst of SCUE's education week, asking students to think about their education.

There is a petition you can sign declaring your disagreement with the funding cut. I am signatory #449. Leave your number in the comments!

And for anybody that wants to find out more about this issue, there will be a rally on College Green from 12-4 on April 3rd. Definitely drop by if you can!

oh, and sorry for the long absence. I am trying to graduate...

~BT