This past week, an email was sent to students from Student Government Association (SGA) president Brendan Sheehan regarding engagement in all aspects on Monmouth University’s campus. The email is sent ahead of SGA’s Student Feedback Week, a chance for all students to voice their concerns about aspects of our campus and call for change.
YikYak is a social networking app where users can post short messages anonymously, which are visible to people on the app that fall within a limited radius, like a college campus. People can join one college community that matches their .edu email. Recently, students on YikYak have been complaining about declining standards on our campus, including dining, academics, facilities, and dorms.
When asked about the opinions voiced on YikYak, one editor commented, “I’ve seen basic complaints on how the dining hall food isn’t good, there’s no fun events to do on campus, etc.”
Another added, “Do you really think the school is going to listen to anonymous students on an app that’s nothing but criticism?”
Editors were also asked about why students fail to take action when it comes to calling out issues on campus. One reflected, “I think students just want to complain and have people agree with them rather than reach out to officials and have something changed. I also think the anonymous aspect to YikYak also gives people confidence to say stuff that they wouldn’t usually say.”
Another editor said, “Because they don’t know any better. I’m gonna be honest, the school doesn’t do a great job either of giving students the opportunity to actually provide feedback. I credit the SGA president for sending out that email he did last week, because he is totally right that students aren’t as involved as they should be. I’ve never seen a school with less-interested students than this one.”
The email also called out students about lack of engagement both in surveys and social events hosted by SGA and other student activities. When asked if they had noticed decreases in attendance numbers at student life events hosted on campus, one editor said they “definitely” have seen a decrease in attendance to SGA events over their four years at the university.
Finally, editors were asked why students fail to engage in on-campus activities at Monmouth. One cited conflicting schedules or the event simply not being worth it, with high attendance events being mediocre at best for students who do not arrive as soon as it begins. They cited the Lego and Eggo event last year as an example of this, as the editor said, “After waiting in a long line, we all got one soggy waffle, and got to pick the tiniest Lego set we wanted. It definitely wasn’t worth it in my opinion.”
Another weighed in, “I honestly couldn’t tell you one club I know that is doing well right now. Everyone is struggling and it’s really sad to see.”
As SGA’s Student Feedback week approaches, it remains to be seen if students will actually heed this warning and take action. One editor said of this email, “I honestly don’t think things will change. [Sheehan] made a good point and kind of called everyone out but I think complaining online is just something our generation does and won’t stop.”
Ultimately, only time will tell if students decide to take action regarding conditions and concerns at Monmouth University.
