President John Simpson is walking the UB campus for the first time as president this week. The transition phase may be difficult for Simpson, but once he is comfortable with UB there are several areas that need renewed focus. The Spectrum feels Simpson has an opportunity to dramatically change things at UB for the better. Below are the areas we feel should be emphasized as Simpson takes the reigns at the university.
South Campus
There must be an improved commitment to the South Campus and surrounding University Heights area. There have been various failed initiatives over the past decade, including a plan to encourage faculty and staff to move to the area. It is incumbent upon Simpson to develop workable programs to enhance South Campus as well as the University Heights area. Interest and development in the area will be able to create a safer society that encourages stronger businesses to move onto the Main Street strip.
It is tempting to nurture a mostly exclusive relationship with Amherst and push forward with a Lee Road project. However, Simpson must build on the existing ground at South Campus, where working with students and stores can vastly improve the quality of life in the area for every party. Simpson can draw on the work of last year's planning class that looked on the area, and hopefully communication will flow freely.
Evaluating D-I Athletics
Clearly the Division-I Athletics program, especially in the area of football, is faltering in its early years, but it is still too early to classify the program as a whole as success or failure - as Simpson has stated.
An honest and objective evaluation of the program must occur in the coming years, however, and there should be some benchmarks and guidelines so that the program can be quantifiably analyzed. Simpson must maintain a balance that benefits the university both fiscally and as a matter of school spirit.
Humanities Funding
In order to foster a learning environment that benefits everyone, the same emphasis placed on bioinformatics and other technology-related fields must also be placed on the humanities.
An equal allocation of funds may be difficult, and may come at the expense of some technology-related program funding, but there must be balance so that no area is neglected.
A Fighter in Albany
With the prospect of annual tuition increases looming on the horizon, which is part of an overall trend towards increasing fees for attending a SUNY school, Simpson must fight for the interests of students on his campus. Simpson must be a visible force in Albany and must make strong ties to both SUNY officials and the state legislators who control SUNY tuition.
Last year's tuition battle is a reminder that students are very concerned with increasing fees and want security. If Simpson can negotiate a better public system to keep tuition low or keep increases at a minimum, it will be a great victory.
Accessibility to Students
Lastly, Simpson must simply be accessible to students. Showing up and shaking hands at sporting events or various receptions will allow a flow of ideas in both directions. It is never easy to jump into a population, but the best way to get accepted is to go out, smile and have fun.
Our new president has an excellent opportunity to change things for the better. The clean slate will allow him to see issues clearly and break from the same paths and solutions. There are many people willing to help, and hopefully Simpson will keep his eyes and ears open. It is time for Simpson to prove that he was the right choice for UB president.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
