STAFF EDITORIAL | Inauguration needs to focus on students
The inauguration of Butler University’s 21st president, Jim Danko, this November, is no doubt a big event, and seems to be growing even bigger by the day. There’s the 90-minute installation ceremony Nov. 12, academic exhibits, a faculty and staff reception, a student breakfast, concerts, an inaugural gala—and an entire committee dedicated to planning it.…
OPINION | Housing needs a makeover
Housing on Butler University’s campus needs an upgrade. Ranging from the silverfish in Schwitzer Hall, the dilapidated state of Ross Hall and the undeniably loud water heaters for the showers in Residential College, a little bit of improvement would go a long way. Freshman definitely get the shortest end of the stick when it comes…
OPINION | Conflict of interest policy necessary
In a perfect world, college students could do any combination of things and never have a problem, but, as Butler University is not a perfect world, conflicts of interest are an unfortunate byproduct of being an active student leader on campus. Typically, leaders in student government are also leaders in a variety of other organizations,…
OPINION | Free speech privileges not worldwide; use them wisely, often
As a journalist, there are few words more important to me than those in the First Amendment. It’s that lovely set of 45 words that keeps people from being persecuted for speaking against the majority, for explaining why they think the way they do or for simply disagreeing with a public official. My favorite week…
OPINION | BUPD follows leads to better solutions
Before those of you who are under 21 grab hold of that red cup this weekend—or any time, really—consider this: Under Indiana law you could serve 60 days in jail and pay up to $500 in fines. That is the maximum sentence for possession of alcohol by a minor in Indiana. Whether it’s alcohol, marijuana…
Independents need more ownership of Homecoming
Last Tuesday the Homecoming theme for 2011 was announced, teams were paired, and celebrations were had. However, only one component is still missing: an Independent Council team. We at The Butler Collegian think the exclusion of an IC team from Homecoming is unfair. Butler University administrators need to give independents more ownership of Homecoming and…
C-Club needs to improve health standards since Butler enforces solicitation policy
Twenty-four is not the number of items you can pile on your sandwich at C-Club. It’s not the number of delicious beverages provided for your consumption, and it definitely isn’t the amount of toppings on a slice of Papa John’s pizza. Twenty-four is the number of things the Marion County Health Department found unsanitary or…
Letter to the editor: parking woes follow you home
The parking situation on campus may be horrendous and spark much debate, but has anyone mentioned the situation off campus? My question is, why does Butler University require a student that lives off campus to pay to register their vehicle when the parking that is utilized is at their house they rent or off Butler’s…
Students pay profs, should get to decide how much
The average assistant professor at a Midwest private university in 2009 made $50,800 that year. Butler currently employs 91 assistant professors. The Butler University Board of Trustees voted down a proposed equity raise for faculty and staff on Saturday. One might hear this and say that educators are seriously undervalued in this country. As far…