The Augustana Observer has been serving as the information hub for the Augustana community since 1902.
However, we’ve noticed a shift in the culture of our reception. While we have a loyal readership of proud parents, Augustana faculty and staff, we seem to be missing something essential: a supportive student body. It’s a rare day not to see the recycling bin in the College Center filled with copies of this publication.
Often mistaken for a computer lab, our office is commonly overlooked as an important part of the community. This apathetic view is leading to an increasingly disappointing one-sided conversation.
In lieu of this, we’d like to initiate a challenge. The challenge is for the Augustana community, and especially its student body, to continue the discussion. We can report the news, but it is the audience that drives the conversation about it.
We’ve reported on major issues affecting not only our campus, but the nation: Ferguson, same-sex marriage, etc. to no avail. This challenge is a direct message to anyone and everyone who has something to say.
It can be something as small as sending feedback about an article, or if courageous enough, a Letter to the Editor. Your words matter.
All it takes is one brave individual to step forward and let the campus hear what they have to say to start the process. If you don’t agree with something, press send. If you do agree with something, press send.
Not only will this foster a culture of fellow Vikings who have an investment in the issues that affect their campus, it can foster a generation of active citizens.
It is clear that there is no shortage of opinions on this campus. We’ve seen them appear on Yik Yak throughout the year. Yet our inbox remains fairly empty.
We can only continue to function if we have an active audience to serve. Otherwise, we’re nothing but words and some ink. Our goal has always been to inform, but also learn.
Moving forward, getting a response from our readers can only propel us to be of better service to the community.
Each week, the Observer staff puts their name on the line, literally. We hope to see yours right alongside ours.