New Web site from WSA allows students to speak their minds

Editors note: This story has been update from the print version due to several errors in the headline and lead. We apologize for the confusion.

Kayle Dembowski
Western Herald

The Western Student Association has launched a new website to allow a forum for students to voice their concerns about the university without having to do anything besides type their concern on a computer and click a button.

On Sept. 27, WSA launched their new Web site, speakupwmu.com.

“It’s still in its initial stages, it’s a beta version, but we plan on upgrading and expanding it,” Nate Knappen, WSA president, said.

The site is designed students, alumni, faculty, staff and parents can express any concerns or comments they have.

“The Web site is exactly what its slogan is. It’s a place to speak up about concerns, any concern, and that’s what we want students to do,” Janine Putnam, WSA vice president, said.

On the Web site there are pictures of four WMU administrators: President John Dunn, Vice President of Student Affairs Diane Anderson, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Tim Greene, and Vice President for Business and Finance and Chief Financial Officer Lowell Rinker. There was also WSA’s logo for comments directed toward them.

Underneath each picture is a link that says “speak up” and when clicked on a form pops up to fill out to file a concern. There is a name and email box, which are both optional to fill out so anybody if they choose can stay anonymous.

“It’s really important for student’s voices to be heard,” Knappen said. “Some students don’t feel comfortable talking with someone else face to face about their concerns, but their opinions are still important.”

The WSA also wanted to make sure people with concerns weren’t just simply ignored and as a result they try to make sure each email is responded to within three days of it being sent.

“It’s important for students to speak out,” Justine Horton, public relations chair, said.

“Many students don’t realize that if you have a concern or if you think something should be changed we can do something about it. For example in the WSA we can create and pass resolutions to address concerns.”

“Students should care about voicing their concern. Walking around campus you hear a lot of students concerns but now students have access to voice that concern,” Putnam said.

For more information about speakupwmu.com visit the Web site or attend a WSA meeting every Wednesday at 4:15 p.m. in the Bernhard Center.

Short URL: http://www.westernherald.com/?p=8994

Posted by HeraldAdmin on Sep 30 2009. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

Cody Kimball
Web Manager: I'm a Communication Student at WMU, a SCUBA Diver, Boater, Ordained Minister, Notary Public, Web Designer, Film Maker, DJ, and of course a Journalist. Born and raised in Port Huron, MI and a graduate of SC4. http://www.codykimball.com