Institute develops revenue for Truman
Tyler Retherford
Issue date: 10/22/09 Section: Opinions
Revenue generation isn't the only objective of the Truman Institute, but it is a necessary one to support their programs. Ideally the Institute will be assisting a great number of programs once it is fully developed. Currently it has received 75 ideas for projects consistent with the Institute's mission, and University faculty members and staff suggested most of them.
The Truman Institute is not the solution to the budget problems we are facing, and it isn't exactly a radically innovative operation. Schools across the country have similar organizations. However, this approach to developing a wider recognition of Truman and increased enrollment is a much more sustainable solution than simply relying on support from wealthy alumni and state funding. Most of the ideas for programs the Institute is supporting are coming from faculty, and students are perfectly capable of producing creative ways to develop recruitment strategies, cut costs and generate revenue.
Truman students and faculty are amazing at organizing clubs, community events and bringing diverse groups together to accomplish their goals, and this shouldn't end at working for the existing student body. The Truman Institute is a great example of how many smaller initiatives can work together to greatly improve the University, but it doesn't have to be the only way. Just because frequent e-mails, Facebook groups and open meetings about the budget crisis have stopped doesn't mean we shouldn't still be looking for creative solutions, or at the very least considering lending a hand or becoming involved in the existing organizations and programs working to help alleviate the problem.
Tyler Retherford is a junior anthropology major from Springfield, Mo.
The Truman Institute is not the solution to the budget problems we are facing, and it isn't exactly a radically innovative operation. Schools across the country have similar organizations. However, this approach to developing a wider recognition of Truman and increased enrollment is a much more sustainable solution than simply relying on support from wealthy alumni and state funding. Most of the ideas for programs the Institute is supporting are coming from faculty, and students are perfectly capable of producing creative ways to develop recruitment strategies, cut costs and generate revenue.
Truman students and faculty are amazing at organizing clubs, community events and bringing diverse groups together to accomplish their goals, and this shouldn't end at working for the existing student body. The Truman Institute is a great example of how many smaller initiatives can work together to greatly improve the University, but it doesn't have to be the only way. Just because frequent e-mails, Facebook groups and open meetings about the budget crisis have stopped doesn't mean we shouldn't still be looking for creative solutions, or at the very least considering lending a hand or becoming involved in the existing organizations and programs working to help alleviate the problem.
Tyler Retherford is a junior anthropology major from Springfield, Mo.
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