College is commonly heralded as a time to experience new things, meet people from all walks of life, and broaden one’s horizons. While some take
advantage of all the resources they’ve been given to immerse themselves into society, being aware of the world outside of the “campus bubble” is a problem that seems to face the vast majority of students. One solution to that problem is the recent implementation of the Crusader Readership Program.
The Crusader Readership Program is a program where The New York Times and USA Today will be delivered to campus every weekday so the students can pick it up for free in the SA Cafe or in the PO Lobby. The program is a product of a lot of hard work and effort by the Student Government.
“Scott Rarick introduced it to us from Kathy Shellogg who had had it implemented on her other campuses. We really liked the idea and thought it as something that we could implement on our campus too,” said Floor Leader and Academic Affairs Committee Chair Bobbi Wilson.
Wilson and fellow committee member Mitch Stith took the reins in turning the idea into a reality. Having worked with Dr. Suzanne Marielley, Shellogg and Melvin Adams, they have been able to get stands set up around campus that carry the newspapers at no cost to students. Funding for the project comes from the HSPTS department, the Honors department, the Political Science department, Provost Richard Ashbrook, Shellogg, and President Bowman, along with Student Government.
Both members believe that the program will be highly beneficial to Capital students in the long run.
“The goal of the program is to promote civic awareness and civic involvement. It’s aimed to get people to read the newspaper to know what is going on around them,” Stith said.
There are instances when being informed genuinely matters (including during elections and major world issues) and having the papers available for free usage will hopefully prompt students to pick one up and begin to read.
“I think that one of the most
important things about going to college is learning not only about subjects, but about the world around you. It will also help students to tie in information for their classes,” said Wilson.
Students reactions so far are fairly positive. Freshman Giovanni Cannizzaro could not be happier.
“The Readership Program is a great source for current events articles and it is important to have these sources around campus. The world is ever-changing, and the fact we have all the latest information at our finger tips for free is great!” Cannizzaro said.
While the program is only a pilot program for this semester, student feedback is essential in keeping it active. if it is successful it will be implemented in the fall as well with the possibility of expansion with the Columbus Dispatch or other papers.
