Fireside chat gives something to chew on

It wasn’t a peace pipe, but the package of Trident gum passed around the circle at Monday’s Fireside Chat had the same spirit of open listening and mutual respect.

The first ever Fireside Chat, held Monday, April 13 in the Student Union Building, brought students and administrators together to bolster communication between the groups. While only a handful of students showed up, a lively and passionate debate sparked up quickly. Issues from campus sustainability to personnel cuts had all members asking questions and giving answers.

Student Steven Hancock jumped out of his chair and gestured with his hands fervently as he spoke of conflict with professors. Dealing with them has been confusing.

“I’m 27 years old and I know how to stand up for myself. But an 18 year-old, what do they do? Where do they go? They don’t know,” he said.

He was concerned that students lack resources to help them when they encounter problems within the university. Citing continuous conflict, he said that as a student he often feels disrespected.

Vice President of Student Affairs Michael Laliberte and Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs Leslie Webb sat in a small circle with students, answering their questions. Laliberte said his staff is trying to make everyone in the university more accountable and involved. By doing so, he believes students could then address any employee with any concern, and get information on how to resolve it.

“You should be able to ask anyone any question and get an answer. If that person doesn’t know it, they can find you the person who does,” he said.

He called it “good customer service” and said he regrets when students feel they’re stuck in the “Boise State shuffle:” going from one office to another seeking help.

Laliberte wants all members of Boise State to be more involved in the campus community. “What’s missing right now is people being invested in Boise State University culture rather than it just being a job,” he said.

Laliberte wants to see more professors and staff at events, getting to know students and buying in to the campus environment.

Students around him agreed that an open and involved campus is the key to creating harmony. And a little gum wouldn’t hurt either.

AMANDA STEWART
Arbiter Journalist

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