THE ITHACAN

Editorial: Supporting free speech is essential in higher education

By The Ithacan • May 2, 2024

Throughout history, college students have been at the heart of social movements. From nationwide sit-ins during the Civil Rights Movement to more local movements, like protests advocating for the removal of former Ithaca College president Tom Rochon, students’ voices have consistently been a catalyst for change. Today, students’ right to free speech is being threatened nationwide.

Editorial: The college must value and invest in faculty

By The Ithacan • May 2, 2024

No matter the school, educators are the foundation of students’ learning. Excellent educators help cultivate excellent students. However, when educators are not properly supported or appreciated, their ability to educate students dwindles. Undervaluing educators leads to high turnover rates, which can create an unstable and inconsistent environment for students. At Ithaca College, this problem is especially evident.

Editorial: Campus climate survey results must be followed by community engagement

By The Ithacan • April 28, 2024

The environment in which people live and work can be one of the most critical factors in determining both success and fulfillment. Who wants to work, study or live in a place where they do not feel comfortable? To gauge the comfort of students, staff and faculty, Ithaca College released a campus climate survey this fall after the last survey was done in 2016. The willingness to engage in conversations regarding campus climate is a good first step on behalf of the college, but it must be followed by engagement from all members of the campus community.

Editorial: New billing system harms students and increases inequity

By The Ithacan • April 18, 2024

The price of higher education is a cost heavy on many students' minds. At Ithaca College, the cost of tuition, room and board and other fees totals $75,013. Because of this price, a majority of students rely on financial aid in pursuit of their degree. However, recent changes to the billing system makes the college even more financially inaccessible to students.

Editorial: Housing decisions must account for student needs

By The Ithacan • April 17, 2024

Ithaca College prides itself on being a residential college. However, this translates to students being required to live on campus for at least three years before moving off campus. While in an ideal world, this may result in fostering community, the realities of on-campus housing are less than ideal.

Editorial: Accessible art fosters community

By The Ithacan • April 4, 2024

When some think of art, they may think of big, prestigious museums or theaters with expensive entry fees and Eurocentric works. While those spaces may serve a purpose in the art world, local artistic spaces are just as, if not more, important, especially when it comes to promoting accessibility in the arts.

Editorial: The college must follow student advocacy with action

By The Ithacan • March 28, 2024

In an ideal world, a college campus is an environment that signifies progress and change. It is a space where like-minded young people are able to learn, grow and express what they believe. At Ithaca College, advocacy has always been a vital part of the campus community. However, it is not solely up to students to push for change. It is also the administration's responsibility to hear students' demands and respond with effective action.

Editorial: Sustainable infrastructure is a necessity

By The Ithacan • March 27, 2024

In a community that prides itself for its forward-thinking approaches to sustainability, renewable energy sources must be a priority.

Editorial: Addressing food insecurity must be a priority

By The Ithacan • March 22, 2024

Food insecurity is a global issue that impacts countless communities. According to Feeding America, 14% of Tompkins County is food insecure, affecting 14,500 individuals. It is essential that resources go toward addressing this pressing issue.

Editorial: On-campus programming is key to a more innovative campus community

By The Ithacan • March 20, 2024

College should be a center for education and innovation. While this happens inside classrooms, learning has the potential to be limitless when there is an investment in relevant, accessible and large-scale programming.

Editorial: Muller Chapel must be a space for all students

By The Ithacan • March 19, 2024

For many students across campus, faith is a central part of their daily life, identity and being. Muller Chapel has the potential to act as a space for growing this faith. Furthermore, it should be a space for students to gain a sense of community and comfort, no matter what they believe. The college must continue to invest in programming for all faiths at Muller Chapel to create a stronger sense of community and acceptance on campus.

Editorial: Thoughtfulness is key to BIPOC Unity Center Merge

By The Ithacan • March 7, 2024

The First Generation and MLK Scholar programs have recently merged with the BIPOC Unity Center given the overlapping identities and events between these programs. While this has the potential to be beneficial and allow for more stream-lined, efficient programming, the center must ensure that it also maintains a nuanced perspective when it comes to supporting students, especially students of color.