There are some parts of this campus that are absolutely beautiful. Many of the most beautiful scenes in Muncie are found at Ball State.
But then there are just as many eyesores. Those are the construction sites.
For at least three years, and most likely many more, the Ball State administration has had its eyes on one goal -- one master plan -- that would make this campus even more breathtaking than it already is.
I hope future Cardinals enjoy the campus current Cardinals' tuitions help to create. In the meantime, I will continue to dodge bulldozers.
Admittedly, the campus has seen some wonderful new additions in only a few years' time. The Art and Journalism building was a major construction project when many of the upper-classmen arrived on campus. Now it serves as a student center (yes, there is one forgotten building that claims that status, but through name only).
Upperclassmen were also around to watch as Shafer Tower went up, then down, and then up once again. Meanwhile, that same year, other academic buildings saw minor construction of their own.
Yes, Ball State will be a beautiful campus years down the road. However, students who attend this school would like to enjoy some peace and quiet at some point during their college years.
During his campaigning, State Representative Tiny Adams has pushed for the Ball State Board of Trustees to quit focusing on buildings, but for different reasons. Indiana's tough economic times has led Adams to encourage Ball State to cut back on its spending.
"There's nothing wrong with the upkeep of buildings, but we need to put some priorities on our spending," Adams said. "These boards of trustees have to take some responsibilities and make some tough decisions. There has got to be some responsibility on the (Ball State) Board of Trustees to make some decisions and to stand up to the president and administration and remember who they represent."
Maybe these tough times would be a perfect opportunity to cut back on construction a little bit. Finish the current projects, including the Music Instructional Building, but then take a breather.
Who knows? With the money Ball State saves, maybe $1,000 fee that was recently voted in by the Board of Trustees could be repealed.
Even if Ball State doesn't want to take such a long break from building on campus, I issue the following challenge: Within the next two years, find one semester to stop the construction -- cold turkey.
Maybe it will help curb Ball State's addiction to construction.
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