Editorial : SU students can take advantage of ESF’s resources

Gripes resound from Syracuse University students who feel SUNY-ESF unfairly takes advantage of SU’s resources. These students should take a moment to consider the vast resources their green neighbor offers them in return.

SU makes a very minor effort to promote elective classes and lecture opportunities at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry to the students outside relevant science majors. Issues relating to our environment — from peak oil to changes in global weather patterns — directly relate to most fields of study. Almost all professions — advertising, politics, education or entrepreneurship — require a basic knowledge of contemporary environmental issues and why they have risen to the forefront of media attention.

Beyond professional relevance, environmental issues underpin major political legislation and controversy. Understanding the complexity of these issues empowers students as citizens regardless of political affiliation. ESF offers dozens of classes taught by leading experts in these fields.

It’s clear that as oil prices rise, alternative energy will come to shape U.S. policy more and more. ESF equips its students with sustainable education — SU students should know how to take advantage of that, too. SU students need only to sign into their MySlice accounts to see the wealth of courses ESF offers — no need for complicated paperwork. Beyond classes, an exploration of ESF’s hallways reveal cork boards littered with volunteer opportunities, from local parks to rural areas in Africa. Tranquil green houses top many of ESF’s rooftops. And a menagerie of Teddy Roosevelt’s taxidermy provides art students a perfect drawing lesson in animal anatomy.

After 100 years sitting side by side, the relationship between SU and ESF students should move from tolerance to reciprocal appreciation.