Where are the NCSU students? One speaks out

One N.C. State University student says the situation with Mary Easley's job and the resignations of the chancellor and provost is all the more galling because of how the state's budget cuts are affecting the students. Find more letters about NCSU under the letters tab above or click here.

Hearing of the corruption at N.C. State University and the black cloud that is now upon my school, I think to myself, where are the students? What about their welfare? We’ve heard from Board of Trustee members, administration and even student leaders who all are planning to avoid discussing this “mishap” at all cost. Now I agree that we must move on and think positively toward the future of the university, but students should step up and let the administration and their legislators know that this will not be tolerated. This scandal will be in the news for at least another year as we search for a new, permanent Chancellor, so there’s no sweeping this under the rug.

I find it upsetting that I’ve had labs and core classes canceled because the university is in debt and professors are having their pay docked when Chancellor James Oblinger and former provost Larry Nielsen get severance packages. It’s funny how the administration is always taken care of and students are an afterthought. First and foremost we are a university and should be focused on the education of the students. Good Old Boy politics is even in our education systems, and the administration is going to try to cover for one another so no one will have another bad reputation; meanwhile, they get money under the table.  

I’ve talked to a number of students who are very upset and disgusted with the lack of integrity of Mary Easley, Oblinger and all parties involved. I’ve approached the student government at N.C. State and thought a student-led rally would be appropriate to step up and let the administration, and even Erskine Bowles, know that this will not be tolerated. However, it seems student leaders are not willing to step up and represent their constituents. The Student Government is afraid to stand up and is siding with the administration by having a welcoming celebration for new Chancellor Woodward instead. I respect the new chancellor and thank him for filling in at such late notice, but I am embarrassed to say I am a member of an organization that supposedly represents the students. Apparently corruption infiltrates through all levels of leadership.

This is my education and future they are interfering with, and I will not tolerate it. I certainly wouldn’t want to see a physician who had an anatomy class canceled or hire an engineer who couldn’t take a required physics class. Students should stand up, write letters and even rally to let our voices be heard that we won’t stand for corruption or canceled classes.

If no one will speak for us, we will have to speak for ourselves. Don’t tell us we can’t take a class and then increase tuition. Don’t have 18 percent budget cuts across campus and then increase administrator salaries. Where are the transparency and accountability? This is what we as students should be asking. We want answers.  

Katie Mills
Senior in zoology
N.C. State University