Undergraduates for Better Education encourages conversation about SU academics

Before I came to Syracuse, I felt that the administration and staff felt passionately about empowering and involving students in making a difference, not only in the university itself, but outside in the real world, as well. There are so many student-run organizations on campus, such as The Daily Orange and CitrusTV, which are some of the most popular and successful organizations on campus. Why? Because who knows students better than the students themselves? I believe that with our school’s national prominence, students should have more effective outlets of communication with administration and faculty regarding areas in undergraduate education. My fellow Undergraduates for Better Education (UBE) and I are dedicated to improving students’ experiences regarding a more effective and personal system of advising, as well as improving other aspects of academics.

Based on my own experience as a freshman, I remember feeling alone in my decisions regarding which classes I needed to take to fulfill my core requirements, and which direction to go to find my major. Although my advisor tried to guide me in the best way possible, our short meetings and lack of knowledge not only led me to poorly choose my classes, but also caused me to doubt the efficiency of the advising system. I know if our chancellor and administration were aware of some of the obstacles students are collectively struggling with, they would want to address it and make it better for us – their students.

Our school, along with many others, needs to find a way to systematically understand and address how students feel about components of our education. UBE has been a catalyst for addressing and speaking out on improvements that need to be made surrounding the education system at Syracuse and throughout the country. UBE spread its passion about the cause, and today, we have a chance to do it again. With the administration’s support, we will be administering a survey to all undergraduate students that will spark a new conversation between students and faculty regarding education.

I pride myself on being a student here for many reasons, including our strong alumni connections and networking, our amazing sports teams, and the fact that this school calls for individualism and hard work. Why can’t our academics be more relevant and in the forefront of what makes our school great?

Alexandra Vignola

Sophomore International Relations major