As we welcome students back to campus, we are gearing up for a contentious election.

In the past few months alone there, has been a national debate over student loans as state institutions face declining support and private colleges move toward entrepreneurial activities and accelerated programs.

Campuses are redoubling efforts around affordability, access, assessment and accountability. It is your responsibility to demand that these items maintain a prominent place on each candidate’s agenda.

And as one of the most politically active campuses in the country, we owe it to ourselves, despite conflicting ideas, worldviews and political visions, to maintain civility in our discourse.

With bright minds among our student body, faculty, staff and alumni, we have the opportunity to engage in well-reasoned, thoughtful and civil dialogue. As the new academic year begins, I encourage everyone to be open to learning from each other and to seek out new perspectives that will better shape previous positions.

Let us do our part to be leaders in the political process and foster civil and productive debates across our own campus. Say what you believe, but remember we are all part of the same community of Colonials.

And last but not least – don’t forget to register to vote.

Sincerely,
Peter Konwerski