The upcoming change in the mayor's office could mean big possibilities or big problems for Ball State University students.
Students should be aware of potential candidates and learn about candidates' views on the university and its relationship with the city.
Mayor Dan Canan built a positive relationship between Muncie and Ball State by creating the Mayor's Commission - a way to better connect Ball State students and Muncie officials. The commission allows students to bring concerns to city officials. Canan has been a mayor who was willing to listen to students' problems and accept the university as part of the Muncie community.
Student involvement in the Mayor's Commission has allowed for collaboration between the university and the town. If students stay involved with Muncie, the new mayor will see the university and its students in a positive light.
Student Government Association has worked with Canan to close the divide between Muncie and Ball State, but the divide between town and university does exist.
The mayor's perception of Ball State can determine how the rest of the Muncie community sees and interacts with students. If students do not have interest in the Muncie community the divide will grow.
Most juniors and seniors will not see the effects of the new mayor, but freshmen and sophomores will. Not only will they still be at Ball State, if they choose to move off campus, they will be Muncie residents as well.
It is important for students to learn about the potential candidates - to know what they think about university and student related issues. Not all political figures are as willing as Canan is to listen to college students.
It's something that's easy for the Ball State community to take from granted. Don't miss an opportunity to ensure the continuing closure of the town/gown divide. If Ball State wants to grow, Muncie must grow with it.
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