I had never visited the University of Idaho before my first day as a freshman five years ago.
I was nervous that all the brochures and web pages I had looked at were hiding the truth about campus, afraid that I had been cat-fished, not by a person, but by an institution.
I was pleasantly surprised. With every building within walking distance and an abundance of greenery, our campus looks like the quintessential residential university. I”ve come to think of this place as my own, and I feel proud that we have the opportunity to learn in such a beautiful environment.
Our campus is more than just a beautiful place. It is the first thing we experience as students. The physical space we inhabit impacts how we think about this institution.
Numerous studies have shown that our homes, neighborhoods and public buildings influence how much we feel connected to each other, how happy we are and even how likely we are to vote.
Undoubtedly, you have heard at least some reference to UI”s effort to increase enrollment. This goal is vital to ensuring the health of our university, as we strive to ensure we can supply our state and nation with the informed citizenry and skilled workforce we so desperately need.
Recruiting new students to come to the university depends on many factors. We talk about million-dollar research grants, impressive new buildings and winning sports teams. While every area has a role to play, it is so easy to forget about the smaller details.
Are our walkways accessible? Do our signs help you navigate campus? Is there public art and greenspace? Can you find a place to stop and sit? Is there enough public space to gather with friends?
These questions may not seem like they make or break our recruitment efforts, but they all boil down to one thing: Is our campus welcoming
It”s not only about recruiting new students, but about each of us – who are here now. We deserve to feel that our campus is as welcoming as it could be. Our experience cannot be distilled to one single point, but is rather the sum of every moment we spend here at UI.
I challenge you to look at our campus differently. Appreciate the beautiful setting of our institution and take the time to think about all of these little details. The Associated Students of the University of Idaho (ASUI) is committed to making our campus life as vibrant as possible, and this includes the small things.
As you notice each of these details, also think about what could be better. We can each be involved in making our university a better place to live.
Let ASUI know when you see something that could be improved and we can work together to make sure that every student feels a sense of pride in our university.
Max Cowan is the president of ASUI. He can be reached at [email protected]