Photo courtesy of unsplash.com

Transparency has become something of a buzzword on college campuses. Among the Elizabethtown College student population, many students interviewed hold strong opinions on what transparency is and how it should be carried out.

“Transparency between the College and the students means that the College is … being clear about what’s going on, and when some change or something happens, especially if it’s a major change, that students are informed in some way … so that everyone knows what’s going on,” junior Jonathan Freaney said.

With a great deal of change happening in the past year, from the inauguration of a new president to changes to department structuring, transparency has reached utmost importance. In times of significant changes, an open communication is vital to keeping all members of the campus community accurately informed about their place of work and study.

However, while President Cecilia McCormick and other members of administration are taking steps to promote transparency, many students feel that the College and its administration have not been as transparent as they would like. Still, students understand that members of administration are taking strides to encourage transparency. Graduate student Amanda Hafler emphasized that the change in administration presents a challenge in maintaining transparency as both the students and staff members acclimate to a new situation.

“I think [transparency is] a work in progress with any changing administration,” Hafler said.

Senior Paige Oustrich is more critical of the College’s record on transparency, though she said she does not see the change in administration as the origin of this issue.

“I think that our current administration is not transparent, and it hasn’t been since I came here at Etown. I think they’re making some improvements, but it’s not enough of what the student body wants,” Oustrich said.

Students particularly cite the department changes that occurred last June as an event that shook their confidence in the College’s transparency.
“In the case … [of] our theatre department losing staff … that happened … in a way where no one was informed, it seems like, as far as I know, even faculty,” Freaney said.

Junior Michael Derr-Haverlach shared this view, criticizing the fact that students “found out from the news about the departments closing before the school told us.”

In this time of change, it is easy to be reactionary and rash. However, members of Etown’s administration want to make it clear that students may rely on them. They are taking multiple extensive steps for both the betterment of the College and the involvement of student voices and opinions in the future of the College.

In a statement, McCormick emphasized the importance of transparency to her and the steps she has taken to build an open, transparent dialogue between all members of the Etown community.

“As president of Elizabethtown College, it is always a priority of mine to be as open and transparent as possible with the student body,” McCormick’s statement said. “Since beginning my presidency in July, I’ve worked to build communication flow with students through visits to classes, sporting events, and activities. I attended several Student Senate meetings (open to all students to attend) on a consistent basis to provide important updates and learn more about our student culture. I’ve also invited many student groups and organizations, including the editors of the Etownian, to visit with me for meetings, lunch or over to my house for gatherings.”

McCormick also encouraged students to speak with her directly about College events.

“As we look to the future, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Office of the President if you or a group of students would like to meet with me and I will work to make time,” McCormick’s statement said.

A close working relationship with students is crucial to a transparent, prosperous campus environment. To this end, one event McCormick has introduced is the “President for a Day” program, in which one selected student will be able to serve in McCormick’s role for the day of April 16, 2020. Students are encouraged to apply for the program.

While many students and faculty express less than satisfactory opinions on transparency, it is clear from programs such as this that members of the administration are striving for transparency. It is important to assert student and faculty voices in the face of possibly negative changes, but it is also important to remember that each person working on this situation is only human. Many students see these efforts by administration, but some are still concerned that they might not be enough.

“I think this administration is really trying,” senior Dylan Warner said, “but I’m afraid the ship is already steered too far in the wrong direction.”

Whatever their disagreements, it is clear that students and administrative officials wish to work towards a better future for Etown. As progress and change continue to move the College into the future of higher education and the workforce, the importance of transparency will only grow. Etown’s growth as a center for progress, intelligent communication, compassion and understanding will require nothing less than growth in transparency.