The football team improved its record to 5 wins and 5 losses this year, but you would hardly know it by going to one of their home games. The stadium was always more than half empty.
The rescheduled Ice Breaker dance in Beacom Lewis gymnasium was also half empty. And the annual step show was cancelled during Homecoming due to a dispute involving Greek organizations and the administration.
Near empty auditoriums. Decreased participation in extracurricular activities. And unsatisfied students. These are just a few of the things that describe the environment on Central State’s campus.
“Maybe they aren’t interested in the programs we’re throwing,” said Dr. Deshnick Lewis, director of Student Engagement and Campus Life.
The lack of student involvement in campus events has been a topic of discussion on and off social media. Students have recently made it a habit of complaining about the environment on Central State’s campus. They claim that there are little to no opportunities for student engagement and that they are just plain bored with campus life.
Administrators point out that there are many events, programs, and organizations available to students on campus. However, it is up to the students,to take the first step and become involved.
“At some point, students must take ownership of their own boredom,” Lewis said. If students want to see a change in campus life, they must be willing to attend the events that are offered and join different organizations. If they cannot find an organization that fits them, they have the opportunity to start one of their own.
Another factor that plays a part in student engagement is peer influence. Students rely heavily on the example of their peers. “We as students should encourage one another to get more involved,” student Kamron Peoples said.
Student leader Tyree Watson said that students are seldom interested in getting involved in events or organizations with people they may not know. “Everybody’s a follower,” he said. “They’re only willing to do what their friends do.” This is what hinders them from venturing out and creating new experiences; thus, creating a socially repetitive environment and influencing the lack of activity.
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