The latest Thelomathesian Society contingency request will have a very noticeable impact on campus culture, yet few students know about this significant approved proposal entails. Over $2,000 was requested to install the outdoor chapel speakers outside the Student Center. The speakers will be used to play music during popular passing hours for all to hear outside of Dana and on the Java quad. Although it sounds like such a harmless proposal, Thelmo has apparently not thought through how their approval will impact the student body.
The most concerning part about the proposal is that no one in Thelmo seems to know the details or have a plan of what happens after the speakers are installed. Who gets to control the music? What types of music will be played? How loud will the music be? Perhaps Thelmo believed that throwing funds at additional technology for the University would be automatically considered as progress. It is true that Thelmo members only want to do what is best for student life, but the student government should not feel obligated to bring change just for the sake of spending the budget.
Every student walks through the area between the student center and Dana at some point during their day. If the proposal impacts the central area of campus, then why were the unelected representatives of Thelmo the only ones deciding on such a monumental proponent of student life? Installing speakers and playing music outside the Student Center without an overall student consensus is a quite an overreach of power by Thelmo. How easy would it be to put a poll on SLUWire to confirm whether all students are in favor of having music played outside the student center?
I am an avid music lover, but the Java quad/Student Center area is one place where it would be inappropriate to add constant music. The Java quad is a peaceful spot to do work or eat food outside during the times of beautiful weather. If I want to listen to music, bringing headphones, and selecting my own music is very easy. Some people like to sit and relax on the Adirondack chairs, eat, and chat at the tables, or do homework in the area where the music will be played. Playing music will become an inconvenience for the people who like the peaceful outdoor environment.
Whether or not the speakers are installed, the overall lack of awareness in the student body about changes to student life is a big concern. Not just the individuals representing Thelmo, but all students should have a voice in the matters that concern the student body. All students should have a voice in matters that concern all students, not just the people of Thelmo. The debate over speakers is a great starting point to discuss ways to make students more aware and to give them greater influence in regard to the student government. Above all, students need to know what proposals are being voted on in order to empower them to voice their opinions and concerns to Thelmo representatives.