For the last couple of weeks I've been gearing this column toward rock music, but today the subject being discussed is in no way, shape or form related to rock 'n' roll.
Instead, I'm interested in talking about the changing perception of Virginia Tech from a school only renowned for its engineering and architecture programs to one that is embracing the liberal arts. So my question is this: Why do other schools still refuse to recognize Tech as a viable institution for the liberal arts, and what can be done to change this?
Last weekend I went with the International Relations Organization at Virginia Tech to the Georgetown National Collegiate Security Conference where schools around the country come to Washington, D.C., and debate various topics; mine was the U.S. Strategic Planning Commission for the military.
Most of you out there would be more familiar with this if I referred to it as Model UN, which is much more widespread in high schools throughout Virginia.
The point is that there were a ton of colleges represented, but Tech was barely a blip on the radar. Even though the effort was made to put in the research and time necessary to succeed on these debate committees, we didn't have the sheer numbers to compete with the Ivy League, William and Mary and UVa delegations.
The irony was firmly in the back of my mind that we have an undergraduate population of 23,041, of which I'm sure a healthy percentage participated in Model UN or debate, or have an active interest in current events.
Even though for four weeks prior to the conference we'd discussed strategy at the IRO meetings in the Multicultural Center at Squires at 8 p.m., something was lost in translation. This is my primary example of what needs to be changed at this school in order to foster a more holistic liberal arts reputation, and show the Ivy League what's been coming to them.
No longer should students sit idly by and be content with this great institute languishing in a corner of the world of collegiate education; it's time to take the intellectual offensive.
While returning to the Georgetown Conference, I was talking with a couple of new friends I'd made in my committee. They might not have laughed outright when I told them of my English and pre-law major intentions at Tech, but there was a palpable sense of confusion that I would study such subjects at a technical institute.
The idea that seems to be often ignored is that Tech is a polytechnic institute, one that incorporates nearly all aspects of education into one college environment. Everyone here knows the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences here is rapidly expanding, but this information does not seem to be conveyed as a legitimate force to the rest of academia.
As a presumptuous freshman, I have no doubt that students can change this by moving from the ground up, starting at the club level and expanding academic programs to include plenty of extracurricular but educational options. Tech already has more than 600 student organizations; now students need to do something to spread its influence.
There are already so many academic opportunities at this school; it's a miracle more people don't show up to them. Take for example a recent lecture series conducted about the Crusades and their implications.
Guest professors have come and lectured about this from Duke and the University of Tennessee with more to come, but surprisingly (or unsurprisingly) most of the people who filled up Torgersen 1040 were far beyond the age of the undergraduate college student.
Wouldn't it be better if Squires Colonial were full for an event that reflects upon the academic interests of our university?
I can already answer that question and say it would be better; and in order to continue having such events, getting students to show up would be a good start.
This next Wednesday at 8 p.m. I'm going to be sitting in the Multicultural Center at Squires Student Center waiting for the IRO meeting to start. For those of you who advocate academic action for our university to take, it'd be great to hear from you.
Tech can beat William and Mary, UVa and the slew of Ivy League colleges on the football field, but now it's time to take them on in the lecture halls and debate rooms.
I'm sure part of the dichotomy in this school between sports and liberal arts is money; when you have to fund the best football team in the ACC and academic departments of nearly every nature, it's sure to be spread thin. The great thing about student-led intellectualism, however, is that it's free.
This is my first step toward making Tech the best place for liberal arts it can be. If the university can show the rest of the top-ranked colleges in U.S. News and World Report that it is a force to be reckoned with, and if the students are willing to build a connection between themselves and their academic programs (yes, I'm looking at you, philosophy majors -- why aren't there more philosophy lectures?) then Tech will be able to call itself the best in liberal arts, and I'll promptly roll this column of newspaper up and eat it.
But until then, I'm going to sit, think and plan for the future. It's coming -- and you can change it for Tech.