Town Hall Meeting 02/19/2008

By Fabio Valvano

President of SUNY Old Westbury, Dr. Calvin O. Butts, held a town hall meeting on Thursday February, 19th, with the main theme regarding the value of education and the issues which are affecting students.

The main topic was in regards of the eighty-seven students who were kicked out of their dorms for not achieving a 2.0 Grade Point Average (GPA). But the students and the faculty, who attended the meeting, brought up more questions-- during the question and answer portion-- which would hopefully erect a better understanding, to Dr. Butts, on the situations students and faculty faces.

At the end of last semester, eighty seven residents at SUNY Old Westbury were kicked out of their dorms for not maintaining a 2.0 GPA. Dr. Butts opened the meeting with the incident.

"Students who graduate from college," said Dr. Butts, "have an earning potential that is 75% greater than those who do not. College prepares our students to live in a world that's growing increasingly smaller each day….life is hard and often it is not fair."
Dr. Butts continues: "Anybody would have to be embarrassed if they say they can't get a 2.0. It's an insult to you, and if you can't get a 2.0 with all that is provided, that means you haven't been reading what you're suppose to read."

The struggle of a college lifestyle can seem unbearable at times-- waking up early to catch a bus, train, or subway in order to get to school on time. Dr. Butts addressed the audience saying that, "Many students work full time, have families, are “disabled”, and get sick during the middle of the semester and still get a 2.0. They ride buses and trains, from great distances to get here and still manage to get a 2.0."

Dr Butts goes on to say, "Many people are concern because we are shaking the trees, we're making demands, we're pressing the buttons…and that's what we should do."

Faculty and students may agree that the decision was harsh and unfair, and that the students were unaware of the policy and how they weren't informed; Dr Butts disagrees:

"There have been several dorm meetings about residential policy; 1st year and beyond, that if the student's GPA was below 2.0 they would have to leave the dormitory. Letters were sent in regards of lab centers for tutoring. During the midterm, review with your professors. Communicate with them and if you see that your GPA is a 1.6 you should say 'what can I do to increase it?' Remember we are talking about a 2.0; you get that if you just read. Listen, I love you. I want the best for you. You can do a 2.0 and if you can't, you shouldn't be in college."

Students may complain that Dr. Butts is never on campus at SUNY Old Westbury, and it seems difficult to get in contact with him. He made sure that the students understood that he is always "trying to meet with someone with several millions of dollars to see if they can give some to the State University of Old Westbury. There is no campus where the president is present every day. And it's silly for anyone to get up and say it. That means you are poorly informed and somebody is feeding you the wrong information." Dr Butts said, in regards on how the State University of New York requires him to raise money.

During the question and answer portion, a question arose from a student regarding the SGA, and how the president left SUNY Old Westbury to attend another school. Now, with the SGA without a president, they have to go through another election to see who will be the next president for the SGA.

"SGA is very important," said Dr. Butts, "SGA has a large budget, left over from student fees. Previously, the money was spent on parties, and not enough for research and studies so you can get a 2.0 and above. I encourage all students to get involved, because they should be involved with student affairs, it can help you become a potential leader, it helps exercise your privileges and rights and that it's your money that's in the budget. The budget is $400,000 for the year. Not a lot of money in some ways, but it is a lot of money that can be used in a lot of ways."

Dr. Butts also encourages student to travel abroad at the meeting, saying, "Travel abroad to China, Spain, South Korea and Russia…go somewhere. Leave Brooklyn and Queens, Roosevelt and Massapequa…go anywhere, so you can see how people think and feel. These people aren't evil, travel to see what other people are doing; stop being afraid." More information may be obtained from the Office of Academic Affairs, CC Room 410 regarding studying abroad. (Students must consult with their academic advisor before undertaking overseas study.)

Dr. Butts received more questions, some in regards of the lack of student activities on campus.

"Most activities should come out with the involvement of the SGA," said Butts, "and without an active SGA you lose those activities. Also, it comes out of the Office of Student Affairs. And Dr. Haynie, who is the vice president of Student Affairs, have shown movies, and held events in the past."

At one point, a question was address to Dr. Butts where he couldn't answer at the time. According to a student, whose name wasn't addressed at the meeting, the transportation services at the school isn't running accordingly to the schedule listed. Also, that the black SUNY Old Westbury vans break down and are usually packed and that only one van comes at a time.

"I can't address it now," said Dr. Butts, "but I will address it. I will defiantly investigate it."

Overall, the meeting lasted a little over and hour and only one question wasn't answered. The next town hall meeting wasn't addressed, but it is extremely wise for students to attend. What is the point of having a tongue, if you’re afraid to speak out?