Since that time, however, there has been a noticeable lack of student interest in issues facing SIUC.

Imagine if students had not mobilized in April. The bar-entry age still would be 21 and relations between the University and city could still be tense.

Imagine yet another scenario. One in which students have absolutely no control over decisions affecting their lives. Envision an administration that acts at will, without pausing to consider student interests.

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SIUC students gripe, complain and whine on an almost daily basis. They complain about parking, landlords, academic advisement, student input, fee increases and many other issues. But for a group with such collective complaints, SIUC students do their best to not participate in any activities that might instigate change within the University.

Students complain about advisement, yet they do not show up for meetings with Undergraduate Student Government to express ideas for change. In fact, USG senators did not even attend the meetings.

Students complain about a lack of voice, yet when greek leaders were called upon to draft ideas concerning Select 2000, they showed up unprepared and required another week.

Students are concerned about how the administration interacts with them, but very few students have attended the forums with the finalists for the chancellor position.

Students were able to make a difference in April. The problem is the premise of student support a promise of a 19-year-old bar-entry age.

It is pathetic that SIUC students band together to facilitate change only when petty issues like alcohol are at stake. At an institution of higher education, students should be embracing opportunities to invoke change and be heard as an opportunity to prepare for the future.

Students argue about a lack of promotion for such opportunities. The flyers that litter the pedestrian overpasses, the Student Center billboards and campus building walls covered with paper provide ample announcement. Those involved also should be spreading the word, and not relying on advertising by the media.

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A recent survey called this year’s freshmen the laziest in 30 years. That is not a label students should be proud of attaining. Such a label will only hinder job opportunities and foster presumptions of attitude problems by faculty and employers.

SIUC students should get involved, get motivated or keep quiet. If students are not willing to make sacrifices in order to bring change, they should stay at home in front of the TV and stop complaining all together.

Get involved, or risk being forgotten entirely.