On Monday night, SMU announced its logistics plan for the opening of the George W. Bush Presidential Library. When the administration designed its plan, it stressed three components: a safe and operational campus, on-campus student parking and car accessibility and parking for faculty who have classes. For students who are commuters, the university has arranged alternative options: a free DART pass and shuttle service from a downtown parking garage. Non-essential staff, faculty without teaching assignments and commuting students will not be able to park on campus.
The reaction from the student body, especially on social media, has been strong. Many have threatened that they will skip class between April 24 -26. Others have stated that they will break parking laws. Still others have called for open protests against SMU’s parking policies.
This board encourages the student body to understand the difference between short run suffering and long run gain. In less than a month, media and dignitaries -President Obama to New York Times journalists -will converge on SMU for the opening of the Bush Presidential Library. For many, it will be their first time on campus.
We have a fundamental choice to make as a student body. We can choose to show the world that we are an active and thriving campus, or we can choose to ruin an opportunity to create a positive impression. First impressions often last.
There are many opportunities to engage. Students will have the opportunity to watch the opening ceremonies in McFarlin Auditorium and outdoors. And, on April 29, the Bush Library and Museum is hosting a special preview day for all holders of an SMU I.D.
When this board sat down with Brad Cheves, SMU’s vice president for development and external affairs, he said, “As an institution we have decided to remain open and that the teaching enterprise will continue. That’s a decision to keep our campus alive and going. You’re a part of history.”
We agree with his sentiment. It will take extra effort to comply with SMU’s parking plan, which will certainly be an inconvenience for many. Is it worth the sacrifice?
We answer with a question: in our undergraduate careers, will the international spotlight ever shine so brightly on SMU?
