Dartmouth students do not like change. Mention a new plan or College initiative, and students are likely to oppose it. Perhaps the resistance comes with the territory of attending a school with almost 250 years of history and tradition, but change is inevitable and necessary on a large, diverse and dynamic college campus. The many negative reactions to plans to convert the Main Hall of Baker-Berry Library, a classic Dartmouth space, into a more social area this winter were no exception ("Baker-Berry renovations to begin in spring," Jan. 14). But despite students' complaints, the College shifted the landscape of the library and the changes were completed this term.
Today, it's hard to find an open seat at one of the new couches or tables in the Main Hall, and the former Berry News Center, which just re-opened, has been equally crowded. The renovations have filled a significant need on campus and are providing enjoyable new study options for students. Clearly, embracing new ideas should not be limited to the classroom not every change on campus is a threat to the Dartmouth experience. It is possible for changes to have a positive impact, but we need to give these new ideas a fighting chance before vehemently opposing proposed adjustments.
Dartmouth students are eager to fight for causes they believe in, and there are undoubtedly issues on this campus that are worthy of that fight. Opposition to the forthcoming SmartChoice meal plan change deserves the energy and resources necessary to garner sufficient public attention. But we must be careful not to let this enthusiasm spill over to other issues for which the stakes are not as high. At some point, we should hold our criticism, so that when initiatives do fly directly in the face of student interest, our collective outcry will be taken seriously and not considered commonplace by the administration.
We applaud the efforts of students to protect Dartmouth traditions and practices, but we must be careful not to thwart progress and innovation for protest's sake doing so could preserve outmoded practices that no longer adequately address student needs. While the administration owes it to students to seek their input while making decisions, we as students must also do our part to recognize and embrace the good change whether that's a new study space, swim dock or academic department. If we approach each new, promised innovation with tempered skepticism instead of brash judgment, we can more honestly and pragmatically assess our College.
